Plate tectonics, surface mineralogy, and the early evolution of life

Parnell, J.

doi:10.1017/s1473550404002101

Cited by 19Origins and Evolution of LifeEarth Systems and Cosmic EvolutionSpace Science and Extraterrestrial Life

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Plate tectonics, surface mineralogy, and the early evolution of life

Parnell, J.·2004·International Journal of Astrobiology

DOI 10.1017/s1473550404002101

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Abstract

In addition to the accepted roles of plate tectonics in regulating planetary habitability through the composition of the atmosphere and temperature, and creating continents to enhance land-based evolution and biodiversity, it has a hitherto unexplored role in influencing surface mineralogy with possible implications for early evolution. Plate tectonics creates continents through the accretion of buoyant granitic crust. Erosion of the granites yields specific minerals including quartz, radioactive (uranium-, thorium-bearing) phases and phosphates, which could play a role in early evolution. Radioactive grains could help to concentrate carbon and increase its complexity through irradiation-induced polymerization at the prebiotic stage, and possibly influence mutation rates once life was established. Weathering of phosphate minerals was an important source of phosphorus for the biochemistry that is essential to life. Quartz-rich sands provide a translucent refuge for early photosynthesizers below the harmful effects of ultra-violet irradiation at the surface. Uranium is also important to the development of nuclear power in an advanced civilization. The mineralogy that engenders these processes is distinct from that to be expected on a planet without plate tectonics, where volcanogenic sediments would predominate, and further emphasizes the importance of plate tectonics to the evolution of life.

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Plate tectonics may place important constraints on surface habitability, as steady resurfacing of Earth has been shown to help stabilize the climate through the long-term carbon cycle and to recycle elements required for life.
“Plate tectonics may place important constraints on surface habitability, as steady resurfacing of Earth has been shown to help stabilize the climate (Parnell, 2004) through the long-term carbon cycle (also see Section 4.2.2) and to recycle elements required for life.”
From The Astrobiology Primer v2.0 (2016) · cites this paper as Parnell, 2004

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Authors: Parnell, J.
Affiliations: University of Aberdeen (GB)
Corresponding author: Parnell, J.
Venue: International Journal of Astrobiology
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published: 2004-04
Volume: 3
Issue: 2
Pages: 131-137
ISSN: 1473-5504 (ISSN-L)
1475-3006
DOI: 10.1017/s1473550404002101
OpenAlex: W2150016629
Cited by: 19
References: 56
Citations by year: 2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2016: 1 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 2 · 2012: 3
FWCI: 0.20
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified, 267 d)
Locations: International Journal of Astrobiology (publishedVersion)
Topics: Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Astronomy and Astrophysics › Origins and Evolution of Life
Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Earth Systems and Cosmic Evolution
Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Astronomy and Astrophysics › Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
Keywords: plate tectonics, early evolution of life, surface mineralogy, granitic crust, continental accretion, phosphorus supply, uranium, prebiotic chemistry, quartz sand, UV protection, mutation rate, habitability

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Plate tectonics, surface mineralogy, and the early evolution of life

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