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Amagmatic hydrothermal systems on Mars from radiogenic heat

Author

Listed:
  • Lujendra Ojha

    (The State University of New Jersey)

  • Suniti Karunatillake

    (Louisiana State University)

  • Saman Karimi

    (Johns Hopkins University)

  • Jacob Buffo

    (Dartmouth College)

Abstract

Long-lived hydrothermal systems are prime targets for astrobiological exploration on Mars. Unlike magmatic or impact settings, radiogenic hydrothermal systems can survive for >100 million years because of the Ga half-lives of key radioactive elements (e.g., U, Th, and K), but remain unknown on Mars. Here, we use geochemistry, gravity, topography data, and numerical models to find potential radiogenic hydrothermal systems on Mars. We show that the Eridania region, which once contained a vast inland sea, possibly exceeding the combined volume of all other Martian surface water, could have readily hosted a radiogenic hydrothermal system. Thus, radiogenic hydrothermalism in Eridania could have sustained clement conditions for life far longer than most other habitable sites on Mars. Water radiolysis by radiogenic heat could have produced H2, a key electron donor for microbial life. Furthermore, hydrothermal circulation may help explain the region’s high crustal magnetic field and gravity anomaly.

Suggested Citation

  • Lujendra Ojha & Suniti Karunatillake & Saman Karimi & Jacob Buffo, 2021. "Amagmatic hydrothermal systems on Mars from radiogenic heat," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-21762-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21762-8
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    Cited by:

    1. A. Lagain & S. Bouley & B. Zanda & K. Miljković & A. Rajšić & D. Baratoux & V. Payré & L. S. Doucet & N. E. Timms & R. Hewins & G. K. Benedix & V. Malarewic & K. Servis & P. A. Bland, 2022. "Early crustal processes revealed by the ejection site of the oldest martian meteorite," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.

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