Abstract
Here we show the salting out phenomenon assessment occurring on MgSO4-CO2-H2O system due to the presence of clathrate hydrates under temperature and pressure conditions of the ocean of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa. In order to form clathrate hydrates, water molecules are removed from the aqueous solution. This fact causes great impact on solutes concentration, including available nutrients in solution so habitability is directly affected. Both, thermodynamical history recorded in the experiments and visual features following of the system help to understand the truly effect of salting-out on geology and its expression on Europa’s surface in application to space exploration.
Highlights
Salting-out is the chemical response of a system in which electrolyte and non-electrolyte compounds compete with each other for their dissolution in an aqueous environment
After focusing onto a monochromator (Horiba JobinYvon HRi550, 550 mm optical length), with a diffraction grating of 1800 grooves/mm, the scattered light is detected with a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) with 1024x256 pixels cooled to 203 K for thermal-noise reduction
Raman spectroscopy analysis and thermodynamical information are used here to follow the evolution of salt-gas-rich fluids during cooling. It allows detecting clathrate hydrate formation/dissociation processes and precipitation of minerals involved in MgSO4-CO2-H2O system
Summary
Salting-out is the chemical response of a system in which electrolyte and non-electrolyte compounds compete with each other for their dissolution in an aqueous environment. One example of geological feature from salting out phenomenon in terrestrial environments is the called brinicle [1]. They are tubular formations, which form in polar regions. Beneath the icy crust of these regions, two-dimensional crystals of water ice known as platelets crystallize from seawater This process implies salt exclusion, and the formation of brines in interstitial spaces between platelets. As water freezes in the brine inclusions, it generates a volume expansion and the crystal lattice undergoes an increment of internal pressure. This fact may provoke cracks in the ice pack causing release of trapped brine. This dense, cold brine drains downwards from sea ice freezing the water that is in direct contact with and forming a tube of ice
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