Hydrothermal vents on seafloors of ice moons such as Europa, Enceladus can support lifeResearchers have simulated alien seafloors and discovered that they may be conducive to life as we know it.
Researchers have discovered that hydrothermal vents can be sustained in a wide range of conditions, after tweaking a computer model based on hydrothermal circulation on Earth.
Cool hydrothermal pumpsMost of of the previous studies on hydrothermal circulation on Europa and Enceladus have considered higher temperature fluids, but the new research indicates that lower temperature hydrothermal flows are as likely or more.
The simulations indicated that in very low gravity conditions, such as the seafloor of Enceladus, ocean circulation can continue in low to moderate temperatures for millions, even billions of years.
In simpler words, the conditions necessary for life to emerge and thrive on ice worlds can potentially last for the entire life of the Star System.
Hydrothermal vents on seafloors of ice moons such as Europa, Enceladus can support life
Researchers have simulated alien seafloors and discovered that they may be conducive to life as we know it.
An illustration of water being blasted into space from geysers on the surface of Enceladus. (Image Credit: Karl Kofoed/NASA).
New Delhi: Ice moons in the Solar System, such as Europa in orbit around Jupiter, and Enceladus, a natural satellite of Saturn are among the most likely places that scientists expect to find life outside of Earth. Researchers have discovered that hydrothermal vents can be sustained in a wide range of conditions, after tweaking a computer model based on hydrothermal circulation on Earth. The researchers changed the variables such as gravity, heat, rock properties, and depth of fluid circulation, and determined that low-temperature flows could occur for longer durations, boosting the prospects of finding life in these ocean worlds.
The researchers based their initial model on hydrothermal siphons on Earth on a seawater circulation system discovered in the 3.5 million-year-old seafloor in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Here, the cool water flows in to an extinct volcano, or a seamount, travels underground for about 50 kilometres, and then flows back into the ocean through another seamount. The rocks heat up the water during this journey, with the warmer water emerging with entirely different chemistry.
Cool hydrothermal pumps
Most of of the previous studies on hydrothermal circulation on Europa and Enceladus have considered higher temperature fluids, but the new research indicates that lower temperature hydrothermal flows are as likely or more. The simulations indicated that in very low gravity conditions, such as the seafloor of Enceladus, ocean circulation can continue in low to moderate temperatures for millions, even billions of years. In the limited heat environment, the low efficiency of heat extraction could lead to considerable longevity. In simpler words, the conditions necessary for life to emerge and thrive on ice worlds can potentially last for the entire life of the Star System.
A paper describing the research has been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets. Lead author of the study, Andrew Fisher says, “This study suggests that low temperature (not too hot for life) hydrothermal systems could have been sustained on ocean worlds beyond Earth over timescales comparable to that required for life to take hold on Earth.”
