Volcanically extruded phosphides as an abiotic source of Venusian phosphine
Ngoc Truong, J. I. Lunine
Abstract
). We take issue with the conclusion of Bains et al. [arXiv:2009.06499 (2020)] that the volcanic rates for such a mechanism would have to be implausibly high. We consider a mantle with the redox state similar to the Earth, magma originating deep in the mantle-a likely scenario for the origin of plume volcanism on Venus-and episodically high but plausible rates of volcanism on a Venus bereft of plate tectonics. We conclude that volcanism could supply an adequate amount of phosphide to produce phosphine. Our conclusion is supported by remote sensing observations of the Venusian atmosphere and surface that have been interpreted as indicative of currently active volcanism.
Topics & Concepts
VolcanismVenusMantle plumeVolcanoPlumePhosphineAstrobiologyMantle (geology)GeologyAbiotic componentGeochemistryJupiter (rocket family)Earth scienceLithosphereTectonicsChemistrySeismologyPhysicsAstronomyPaleontologyMeteorologyCatalysisBiochemistrySpace ShuttleAstro and Planetary SciencePlanetary Science and ExplorationGeology and Paleoclimatology Research