EarthArXiv is an open-access preprint system for the Earth Sciences. The peer-review process takes time, and during that time scientists use preprint systems to share their work with their peers. Preprints are citable and shareable immediately after submission. Many authors have found that sharing a preprint maintains enthusiasm about the research and leads to helpful feedback, which makes the ultimate submission to a peer-reviewed journal better. The early and continued attention also has another payoff: Preprints that do end up in journals appear to be cited more quickly.
