Biology
Scientific paper
Dec 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003asbio...3..823j&link_type=abstract
Astrobiology, Volume 3, Issue 4, pp. 823-850.
Biology
31
Europa, Oxygen, Ice, Chemical Kinetics
Scientific paper
The oxidants produced by radiolysis and photolysis in the icy surface of Europa may be necessary to sustain carbon-based biochemistry in Europa's putative subsurface ocean. Because the subduction of oxidants to the ocean presents considerable thermodynamic challenges, we examine the formation of oxygen and related species in Europa's surface ice with the goal of characterizing the chemical state of the irradiated material. Relevant spectral observations of Europa and the laboratory data on the production of oxygen and related species are first summarized. Since the laboratory data are incomplete, we examine the rate equations for formation of oxygen and its chemical precursors by radiolysis and photolysis. Measurements and simple rate equations are suggested that can be used to characterize the production of oxidants in Europa's surface material and the chemical environment produced by radiolysis. Possible precursor molecules and the role of radical trapping are examined. The possibility of oxygen reactions on grain surfaces in Europa's regolith is discussed, and the earlier estimates of the supply of O2 to the atmosphere are increased.
Cooper Paul D.
Freeman Colin G.
Johnson Robert E.
McKinley A. J.
Quickenden Terence I.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Production of Oxidants in Europa's Surface 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 The Production of Oxidants in Europa's Surface, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Production of Oxidants in Europa's Surface will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1652457