SubsidieMeestersDiamonds as the key to unravel the origin of Earth's water
This project aims to determine Earth's primordial deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio using ancient diamonds to uncover the origin of Earth's water and implications for planetary habitability.
Projectdetails
Introduction
The origin of Earth's water is still an unsolved mystery in Earth Sciences. Yet, answering this question is paramount in order to validate planetary accretion models and determine the conditions for life-sustainable planets to form.
Comparison of D/H Ratios
Comparing Earth's original deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio (D/H) with those of Solar System objects such as meteorites, comets, and the solar nebula can constrain the provenance of water. However, while D/H is precisely determined for extra-terrestrial objects, the exact value for Earth is not known. This uncertainty arises from the fact that Earth's primordial D/H has been lost since its formation due to surface and mantle geological processes.
Challenges in Current Estimates
Current estimates from mantle-derived lavas are challenged by the ability of these samples to retain pristine values. This indicates the need for a pristine reservoir that has remained unaffected over geological time to be found.
Role of Diamonds
Diamonds from the Earth's mantle may be key, as they contain trace amounts of hydrogen and are inert and robust time capsules capable of surviving over several billion years.
Project Goals
The overarching goal of this project is to determine Earth's primordial D/H by investigating the hydrogen content and isotopic composition of a unique set of worldwide, natural diamonds dating from 3.5 to 0.09 billion years ago. This will be achieved using newly-developed, high-precision, and high-efficiency isotope ratio mass spectrometry.
Complementary Techniques
The isotopic data will be complemented by atomistic state-of-the-art ab initio simulations to understand the atomic and diffusion behavior of hydrogen in natural diamonds.
Long-term Implications
The new results will be fundamental in pinpointing Earth's water origin, with long-term implications for understanding planet habitability. In a time when international space agencies are actively searching for potentially habitable planets and extra-terrestrial life, this new knowledge will be essential for understanding the geological and biological evolution of planets in our Solar System and beyond.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
| Subsidiebedrag | € 1.499.758 |
| Totale projectbegroting | € 1.499.758 |
Tijdlijn
| Startdatum | 1-1-2023 |
| Einddatum | 31-12-2027 |
| Subsidiejaar | 2023 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVApenvoerder
Land(en)
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