Abstract
Whitepaper #243 submitted to the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey 2023-2032. Topics: life and prebiotic organics; solar system formation, dynamics processes, and chronology; technology development
Highlights
Measurement of isotopic ratios is an essential tool for identifying the source and evolution of geologically and biologically important compounds and planetary bodies
CHONS isotopic ratios are a powerful tool for addressing critical questions in planetary science (Table 1)
Existing isotopic measurements demonstrate the value of these data for understanding planetary origins and evolution and provide a roadmap for using isotopes to search for biosignatures
Summary
Measurement of isotopic ratios is an essential tool for identifying the source and evolution of geologically and biologically important compounds and planetary bodies. The mass difference in two isotopes of a given element (e.g., 13C and 12C) can lead to separation (“isotopic fractionation”) between phases, among different compounds, through reaction networks, or via physical processes (Table 2). Measurement of the isotopic ratios of a given compound combined with geological context can provide valuable insight into the compound origins and/or a record of physical, chemical, or biological processes [1]
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