Cold Aqueous Planetary Geochemistry with FREZCHEM: From Modeling to the Search for Life at the Limits

Giles M. Marion, Jeffrey S. Kargel (auth.)9783540756781, 3540756787

This book explicitly investigates issues of astrobiological relevance in the context of cold aqueous planetary geochemistry.

At the core of the technical chapters is the FREZCHEM model, initially developed over many years by one of the authors to quantify aqueous electrolyte properties and chemical thermodynamics at subzero temperatures. FREZCHEM, of general relevance to biogeochemists and geochemical modelers, cold planetary scientists, physicochemists and chemical engineers, is subsequently applied to the exploration of biogeochemical applications to solar systems bodies in general, and to speculations about the limits for life in cold environments in particular.

Table of contents :
Front Matter….Pages I-X
Introduction….Pages 1-2
Aqueous Chemistry….Pages 3-18
The FREZCHEM Model….Pages 19-77
Limits for Life….Pages 79-99
Biogeochemical Applications to Solar System Bodies….Pages 101-153
The Search for and Future of Life in the Universe….Pages 155-173
Back Matter….Pages 175-251