Geological nitrogen cycle and atmospheric N2 over Phanerozoic time

Research Article| May 01, 2006 Geological nitrogen cycle and atmospheric N2 over Phanerozoic time Robert A. Berner Robert A. Berner 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8109, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Robert A. Berner 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8109, USA Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 27 Nov 2005 Revision Received: 20 Dec 2005 Accepted: 22 Dec 2005 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (2006) 34 (5): 413–415. https://doi.org/10.1130/G22470.1 Article history Received: 27 Nov 2005 Revision Received: 20 Dec 2005 Accepted: 22 Dec 2005 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Robert A. Berner; Geological nitrogen cycle and atmospheric N2 over Phanerozoic time. Geology 2006;; 34 (5): 413–415. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G22470.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Using the average nitrogen/carbon ratio (N/C) of sedimentary organic matter, coal, and volcanic/metamorphic gases, existing models of the carbon cycle have been used to calculate the fluxes of nitrogen to and from the atmosphere via the weathering, burial, and metamorphic/volcanic decomposition of organic matter. Results indicate no appreciable change, less than one percent of that present, in the mass of atmospheric N2 over Phanerozoic time. This is in sharp contrast to atmospheric O2, which shows notable variations. Variation of the mass of O2, but not that of N2, must have led to variation in total atmospheric pressure with time. Results are not altered by considering N/C ratios ten times higher than the average for sedimentary rocks nor by considering nitrogen release from silicate weathering. The residence time of N2 in the atmosphere, relative to exchange with and storage in crustal rocks, is estimated to be about one billion years. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.