Plate tectonics, surface mineralogy, and the early evolution of life

Details Plate tectonics, surface mineralogy, and the early evolution of life Plate tectonics, surface mineralogy, and the early evolution of life

Apr 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004ijasb...3..131p&link_type=abstract

International Journal of Astrobiology, vol. 3, Issue 02, p.131-137

Biology

2

Early Earth, Evolution, Geochemistry, Phosphorus, Plate Tectonics, Quartz, Radioactivity.

Scientific paper

In addition to the accepted roles of plate tectonics in regulating planetary habitability through the composition of the atmosphere and temperature, and creating continents to enhance land-based evolution and biodiversity, it has a hitherto unexplored role in influencing surface mineralogy with possible implications for early evolution. Plate tectonics creates continents through the accretion of buoyant granitic crust. Erosion of the granites yields specific minerals including quartz, radioactive (uranium-, thorium-bearing) phases and phosphates, which could play a role in early evolution. Radioactive grains could help to concentrate carbon and increase its complexity through irradiation-induced polymerization at the prebiotic stage, and possibly influence mutation rates once life was established. Weathering of phosphate minerals was an important source of phosphorus for the biochemistry that is essential to life. Quartz-rich sands provide a translucent refuge for early photosynthesizers below the harmful effects of ultra-violet irradiation at the surface. Uranium is also important to the development of nuclear power in an advanced civilization. The mineralogy that engenders these processes is distinct from that to be expected on a planet without plate tectonics, where volcanogenic sediments would predominate, and further emphasizes the importance of plate tectonics to the evolution of life.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Plate tectonics, surface mineralogy, and the early evolution of life does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Plate tectonics, surface mineralogy, and the early evolution of life, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Plate tectonics, surface mineralogy, and the early evolution of life will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-735629