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Primordial oil slick.

A C Lasaga, H D Holland, M J Dwyer

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |October 1, 1971
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Early methane atmospheres may have formed thick oil slicks via ultraviolet radiation. These slicks could have been crucial for the origin of life on early Earth.

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    Area of Science:

    • Astrobiology
    • Planetary Science
    • Organic Chemistry

    Background:

    • The composition of early planetary atmospheres is key to understanding prebiotic chemistry.
    • Solar ultraviolet radiation is a significant energy source with potential for atmospheric chemical reactions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the potential for polymerization of an early methane atmosphere.
    • To determine the feasibility of forming organic surface layers from atmospheric methane.

    Main Methods:

    • Theoretical calculations on atmospheric photochemistry.
    • Preliminary experimental simulations of ultraviolet radiation effects on methane.

    Main Results:

    • Methane polymerization by solar ultraviolet radiation occurs rapidly on geological timescales.

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  • Formation of a substantial oil slick, 1-10 meters thick, is a plausible outcome.

    • Conclusions:

    • An early methane-rich atmosphere could spontaneously generate significant organic surface films.
    • These oil slicks may have played a critical role in the origin and early development of life.