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Phosphate availability and implications for life on ocean worlds

Space Sciences

Phosphate availability and implications for life on ocean worlds

N. G. Randolph-flagg, T. Ely, et al.

Dive into the fascinating exploration of subsurface oceans on moons in our outer solar system, as researchers Noah G. Randolph-Flagg, Tucker Ely, Sanjoy M. Som, Everett L. Shock, Christopher R. German, and Tori M. Hoehler reveal that these hidden worlds might harbor enough phosphate to support life, surpassing even Earth's deep oceans.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
Several moons in our outer solar system possess subsurface liquid water oceans. This paper investigates the availability of phosphate, an essential nutrient for all known life, within these ocean worlds to assess their habitability. Equilibrium dissolved phosphate concentrations are calculated based on water-rock reactions, considering various compositions and conditions. Results suggest that phosphate concentrations would likely be sufficient to support substantial life, even exceeding those in Earth's deep oceans.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Apr 25, 2023
Authors
Noah G. Randolph-Flagg, Tucker Ely, Sanjoy M. Som, Everett L. Shock, Christopher R. German, Tori M. Hoehler
Tags
moons
ocean worlds
subsurface oceans
phosphate
habitability
life support
water-rock reactions

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