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Russell MJ. The "Water Problem"( sic), the Illusory Pond and Life's Submarine Emergence-A Review. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:429. [PMID: 34068713 PMCID: PMC8151828 DOI: 10.3390/life11050429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The assumption that there was a "water problem" at the emergence of life-that the Hadean Ocean was simply too wet and salty for life to have emerged in it-is here subjected to geological and experimental reality checks. The "warm little pond" that would take the place of the submarine alkaline vent theory (AVT), as recently extolled in the journal Nature, flies in the face of decades of geological, microbiological and evolutionary research and reasoning. To the present author, the evidence refuting the warm little pond scheme is overwhelming given the facts that (i) the early Earth was a water world, (ii) its all-enveloping ocean was never less than 4 km deep, (iii) there were no figurative "Icelands" or "Hawaiis", nor even an "Ontong Java" then because (iv) the solidifying magma ocean beneath was still too mushy to support such salient loadings on the oceanic crust. In place of the supposed warm little pond, we offer a well-protected mineral mound precipitated at a submarine alkaline vent as life's womb: in place of lipid membranes, we suggest peptides; we replace poisonous cyanide with ammonium and hydrazine; instead of deleterious radiation we have the appropriate life-giving redox and pH disequilibria; and in place of messy chemistry we offer the potential for life's emergence from the simplest of geochemically available molecules and ions focused at a submarine alkaline vent in the Hadean-specifically within the nano-confined flexible and redox active interlayer walls of the mixed-valent double layer oxyhydroxide mineral, fougerite/green rust comprising much of that mound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Russell
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Torino, via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy
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Abstract
As evident from the nearby examples of Proxima Centauri and TRAPPIST-1, Earth-sized planets in the habitable zone of low-mass stars are common. Here, we focus on such planetary systems and argue that their (oceanic) tides could be more prominent due to stronger tidal forces. We identify the conditions under which tides may exert a significant positive influence on biotic processes including abiogenesis, biological rhythms, nutrient upwelling, and stimulating photosynthesis. We conclude our analysis with the identification of large-scale algal blooms as potential temporal biosignatures in reflectance light curves that can arise indirectly as a consequence of strong tidal forces. Key Words: Tidal effects-Abiogenesis-Biological clocks-Planetary habitability-Temporal biosignatures. Astrobiology 18, 967-982.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasvi Lingam
- 1 Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics , Cambridge, Massachusetts
- 2 John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Abraham Loeb
- 1 Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics , Cambridge, Massachusetts
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McGillicuddy DJ. Mechanisms of Physical-Biological-Biogeochemical Interaction at the Oceanic Mesoscale. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2015; 8:125-159. [PMID: 26359818 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-010814-015606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mesoscale phenomena are ubiquitous and highly energetic features of ocean circulation. Their influence on biological and biogeochemical processes varies widely, stemming not only from advective transport but also from the generation of variations in the environment that affect biological and chemical rates. The ephemeral nature of mesoscale features in the ocean makes it difficult to elucidate the attendant mechanisms of physical-biological-biogeochemical interaction, necessitating the use of multidisciplinary approaches involving in situ observations, remote sensing, and modeling. All three aspects are woven through this review in an attempt to synthesize current understanding of the topic, with particular emphasis on novel developments in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis J McGillicuddy
- Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543;
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Ceccarelli DM, McKinnon AD, Andréfouët S, Allain V, Young J, Gledhill DC, Flynn A, Bax NJ, Beaman R, Borsa P, Brinkman R, Bustamante RH, Campbell R, Cappo M, Cravatte S, D'Agata S, Dichmont CM, Dunstan PK, Dupouy C, Edgar G, Farman R, Furnas M, Garrigue C, Hutton T, Kulbicki M, Letourneur Y, Lindsay D, Menkes C, Mouillot D, Parravicini V, Payri C, Pelletier B, Richer de Forges B, Ridgway K, Rodier M, Samadi S, Schoeman D, Skewes T, Swearer S, Vigliola L, Wantiez L, Williams A, Williams A, Richardson AJ. The coral sea: physical environment, ecosystem status and biodiversity assets. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2013; 66:213-290. [PMID: 24182902 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-408096-6.00004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The Coral Sea, located at the southwestern rim of the Pacific Ocean, is the only tropical marginal sea where human impacts remain relatively minor. Patterns and processes identified within the region have global relevance as a baseline for understanding impacts in more disturbed tropical locations. Despite 70 years of documented research, the Coral Sea has been relatively neglected, with a slower rate of increase in publications over the past 20 years than total marine research globally. We review current knowledge of the Coral Sea to provide an overview of regional geology, oceanography, ecology and fisheries. Interactions between physical features and biological assemblages influence ecological processes and the direction and strength of connectivity among Coral Sea ecosystems. To inform management effectively, we will need to fill some major knowledge gaps, including geographic gaps in sampling and a lack of integration of research themes, which hinder the understanding of most ecosystem processes.
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Abstract
Variabilities in sea-level and upper-ocean chlorophyll reveal the systematic influence of nonlinear eddies.
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Chelton DB, Gaube P, Schlax MG, Early JJ, Samelson RM. The Influence of Nonlinear Mesoscale Eddies on Near-Surface Oceanic Chlorophyll. Science 2011; 334:328-32. [PMID: 21921157 DOI: 10.1126/science.1208897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dudley B. Chelton
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, 104 COAS Administration Building, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331–5503, USA
| | - Peter Gaube
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, 104 COAS Administration Building, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331–5503, USA
| | - Michael G. Schlax
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, 104 COAS Administration Building, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331–5503, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Early
- Northwest Research Associates, Post Office Box 3027, Bellevue, WA 98009, USA
| | - Roger M. Samelson
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, 104 COAS Administration Building, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331–5503, USA
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Gutknecht E, Dadou I, Charria G, Cipollini P, Garçon V. Spatial and temporal variability of the remotely sensed chlorophyllasignal associated with Rossby waves in the South Atlantic Ocean. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009jc005291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Resplandy L, Vialard J, Lévy M, Aumont O, Dandonneau Y. Seasonal and intraseasonal biogeochemical variability in the thermocline ridge of the southern tropical Indian Ocean. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2008jc005246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Abstract
After the successful Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS, 1978-1986) demonstration that quantitative estimations of geophysical variables such as chlorophyll a and diffuse attenuation coefficient could be derived from top of the atmosphere radiances, a number of international missions with ocean color capabilities were launched beginning in the late 1990s. Most notable were those with global data acquisition capabilities, i.e., the Ocean Color and Temperature Sensor (OCTS,Japan, 1996-1997), the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS, United States, 1997-present), two Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS, United States, Terra/2000-present and Aqua/2002-present), the Global Imager (GLI, Japan, 2002-2003), and the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS, European Space Agency, 2002-present). These missions have provided data of exceptional quality and continuity, allowing for scientific inquiries into a wide variety of marine research topics not possible with the CZCS. This review focuses on the scientific advances made over the past decade using these data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R McClain
- Oceans Branch, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, USA.
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Eddies and upper-ocean nutrient supply. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/177gm09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
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Bonhomme C, Aumont O, Echevin V. Advective transport caused by intraseasonal Rossby waves: A key player of the high chlorophyll variability off the Peru upwelling region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2006jc004022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Genin A, Jaffe JS, Reef R, Richter C, Franks PJS. Swimming against the flow: a mechanism of zooplankton aggregation. Science 2005; 308:860-2. [PMID: 15879218 DOI: 10.1126/science.1107834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Zooplankton reside in a constantly flowing environment. However, information about their response to ambient flow has remained elusive, because of the difficulties of following the individual motions of these minute, nearly transparent animals in the ocean. Using a three-dimensional acoustic imaging system, we tracked >375,000 zooplankters at two coastal sites in the Red Sea. Resolution of their motion from that of the water showed that the animals effectively maintained their depth by swimming against upwelling and downwelling currents moving at rates of up to tens of body lengths per second, causing their accumulation at frontal zones. This mechanism explains how oceanic fronts become major feeding grounds for predators and targets for fishermen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amatzia Genin
- Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences and the Hebrew University, Eilat, Israel.
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Dandonneau Y, Menkes C, Gorgues T, Madec G. Response to Comment on "Oceanic Rossby Waves Acting As a `Hay Rake' for Ecosystem Floating By-Products". Science 2004. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1095997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yves Dandonneau
- IRD, IPSL/Laboratoire d'Océanographie, Dynamique et de Climatologie, University Pierre et Marie Curie, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris 05, France
| | - Christophe Menkes
- IRD, IPSL/Laboratoire d'Océanographie, Dynamique et de Climatologie, University Pierre et Marie Curie, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris 05, France
| | - Thomas Gorgues
- CRNS, IPSL/Laboratoire d'Océanographie, Dynamique et de Climatologie, University Pierre et Marie Curie
| | - Gurvan Madec
- CRNS, IPSL/Laboratoire d'Océanographie, Dynamique et de Climatologie, University Pierre et Marie Curie
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Killworth PD. Comment on "Oceanic Rossby Waves Acting As a `Hay Rake' for Ecosystem Floating By-Products". Science 2004. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1094870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D. Killworth
- Southampton Oceanography Centre Empress Dock Southampton SO14 3ZH, England
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Sakamoto CM. Influence of Rossby waves on nutrient dynamics and the plankton community structure in the North Pacific subtropical gyre. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1029/2003jc001976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Killworth PD. Physical and biological mechanisms for planetary waves observed in satellite-derived chlorophyll. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1029/2003jc001768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Claustre
- Observatoire Océanologique de Villefranche, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, CNRS-INSU, 06238 Villefranche-sur-mer, France.
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