The rocky road to organics needs drying.

Area of Science:

• Geochemistry and Astrobiology
• Origin of Life Studies

Background:

• The origin of complex organic molecules from simple abiotic compounds is crucial for understanding life's emergence.
• Previous theories on hydrothermal origins faced limitations due to low organic concentrations and limited pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an alternative pathway for abiotic organic synthesis and diversification in hydrothermal environments.
• To investigate the role of magmatic degassing and mineral reactions in microcavities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of endogenous organic assemblages formed from cooling C-O-S-H-N fluids entrapped in oceanic lithosphere.
• Examining mineral products of olivine hydration (serpentinization) and associated polyaromatic materials and nanodiamonds.

Main Results:

• Identified a novel abiotic synthesis route involving magmatic gases (N2, H2, CH4, CH3SH) and mineral reactions.
• Demonstrated that serpentinization drives organic condensation by drying the system.
• Observed trapping of ingredients in olivine, allowing for later reactions.

Conclusions:

• This study expands understanding of abiotic organic carbon forms in hydrothermal settings.
• Highlights the significance of minerals and drying in organic synthesis pathways.
• Suggests these processes may occur on other planetary bodies with similar geological conditions.