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A PROPOSAL FOR CLIMATE STABILITY ON H2-GREENHOUSE PLANETS
1Department of the Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, 5734 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; abbot@uchicago.edu.
The Astrophysical Journal. Letters
|December 4, 2018
Summary
Planets with thick hydrogen atmospheres could host liquid water. Life consuming hydrogen could stabilize the climate, making these exoplanets promising targets for astrobiology research.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology
- Planetary Science
- Climate Science
Background:
- Terrestrial planets outside the habitable zone may possess liquid water due to hydrogen (H2) atmospheres and collision-induced absorption.
- A stable climate is crucial for sustained habitability, but typically requires stabilizing climate feedbacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose stabilizing climate feedbacks for planets with thick H2 atmospheres.
- To explore the potential for life to regulate planetary climate.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of planetary climate dynamics.
- Analysis of biological functions as climate regulators.
- Investigating hydrogen (H2) consumption by hypothetical life forms.
Main Results:
- Life consuming H2, like methanogens, can create a stable climate by regulating atmospheric H2 levels.
- Biological activity can counteract temperature perturbations, reestablishing equilibrium.
- A thick H2 atmosphere can maintain surface liquid water even far from a star.
Conclusions:
- Planets with H2-rich atmospheres and H2-consuming life are compelling astrobiological targets.
- Biological climate regulation offers a mechanism for sustained habitability on exoplanets.
- The proposed feedback mechanism enhances the potential for life beyond Earth.
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