Other
Scientific paper
Dec 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006aas...20922101b&link_type=abstract
2007 AAS/AAPT Joint Meeting, American Astronomical Society Meeting 209, #221.01; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society,
Other
Scientific paper
The subseafloor is one of the modeled settings for the earliest microbial ecosystem. The subseafloor is a site of ubiquitous and active geophysical processes, such as hydrothermal activity. There are two types of hydrothermal processes that drive warmto hightemperature fluid flow in the subseafloor. These include magma hosted and ultramafic-rock (rocks with high iron and magnesium content such as olivine) hosted systems. Both can result in hot fluids that can be acid or alkaline and both can generate carbon and chemical energy sources, along with other elements required for life. The implication is that submarine hydrothermal systems can both generate and support life without the need for oxidants produced by photosynthesis. Moreover, there is evidence that microorganisms that thrive in the hot subseafloor are the most ancient of extant life. These hyperthermopilic microorganisms (capable of growth >80°C) are capable of exploiting the chemical energy sources at vents including hydrogen and sulfur and use carbon dioxide or abiotically produced organic compounds as carbon sources. In the absence of a light-driven ecosystem, other planets and moons would have to have a source of chemical energy and other inorganic nutrients to maintain an active microbial ecosystem. The presence of hydrothermal systems would provide these nutrients. Clearly, any evidence for hydrothermal activity on Mars or Europa would greatly increase the chance for the existence of microbial life that would use predictable carbon and energy sources. Moreover, if hydrothermal systems exist on Europa and other icy moons, or in the deep subsurface of Mars, than the resultant carbon and energy source could reach into the cold ocean of Europa or into the Martian regolith. By this rationale, Enceladus, which shows evidence for hydrothermal activity, should be a focus for future life-detection missions.
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