Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Oct 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011epsc.conf.1550p&link_type=abstract
EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2011, held 2-7 October 2011 in Nantes, France. http://meetings.copernicus.org/epsc-dps2011, p.1550
Mathematics
Logic
Scientific paper
The abiotic and biological pathways for methanogenesis on Mars are surprisingly similar. Both mechanisms use CO2 and H2 as starting materials and result in the production of CH4. However, the geochemical pathway has a high kinetic barrier and the reaction is slow. A biological pathway "quickens" this process. The total flux of 1.7×107 mol year-1 that is needed to maintain the observed CH4 in steady state in the atmosphere is examined in the context of fluxes of He from the interior of the planet and photochemical production of H2 in the atmosphere. Future experiments that can distinguish the abiotic versus biological origins of CH4 on Mars are discussed. Methanogenesis on Mars may serve as the "hydrogen atom" for the origin of life. Such discussions are not restricted to Mars and can be extended to other worlds with incipient planetary conditions for life and we discuss implications for the habitability of Enceladus.
Parkinson Christopher D.
Russell Matthew
Yung Yuk L.
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