The chemistry of habitable oceans in the Solar system
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Liquid water exists on the Earth and several other planetary bodies in our solar system. The chemical character of these aqueous reservoirs is central to evaluating their habitability. Here, we synthesize the chemical features of water reservoirs and their biological implications on the modern Earth. We then outline constraints on the evolutionary history of Earth's ocean chemistry and discuss its interplay with the biosphere. Furthermore, we examine the inferred chemical environments of water bodies on early Mars, dwarf planet Ceres, Jupiter's moon Europa and Saturn's moons Enceladus and Titan. We conclude by outlining priority questions for future planetary habitability studies.
Source: Nature Communications
Authors: Jihua Hao, Yuke Zhu, Andrew H. Knoll, Nicholas J. Tosca, Chao He, Maggie C. Y. Lau Vetter, Li Liao, Peter W. Crockford, Eva E. Stüeken, Anya Huo, Jie Li, Javed Akhter Mondal, David C. Catling, Yafang Song, Pengcheng Ju, Lu Pan, Fang Huang, Christopher R. Glein
Institutions: University of Science and Technology of China, Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, Harvard University, University of Cambridge, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Polar Research Institute of China, Carleton University, University of St Andrews, University of Washington, Southwest Research Institute
Language: English
Topic: Astro and Planetary Science
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
OpenAlex ID: W7166535543