Thermal processes in the solar system
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Earth Science and Engineering
Abstract
This PhD is concerned with the study of thermal processes in the solar system and is divided into three sub-projects: (i) anhydrous heating - quantitative pyrolysis Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of meteorite samples; (ii) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); and, (iii) hydrous heating - subcritical water extractor.
The first sub-project will involve the use of quantitative pyrolysis FTIR in order to quantify the volume of CO2 removed by carbonation during simulated atmospheric entry of micrometeorites. Significant carbonation could have affected the composition of early atmospheres, and thus such reactions may have had an influence on the origin and development of life on Earth.
The second sub-project will investigate the barometry potential of a common suite of cosmic organic molecules: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Any changes in the infrared spectra of example PAHs with pressure will be examined using synchrotron light; this will aid the development of the use of organic markers as diagnostic indicators of pressure.
The third sub-project will use pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry and hydrous pyrolysis in order to examine the spectra of aqueously altered biomarkers, relevant to those that may be found in the plumes of icy moons, such as Europa and Enceladus. The fragmentation patterns produced during pyrolysis are thought to be analogous to those formed upon impact dissociation. The data collected here will aid the interpretation of complex mass spectra collected by the on-board mass spectrometer (MASPEX) during the NASA Europa multiple flyby mission, which is set to launch in the 2020s.
The first sub-project will involve the use of quantitative pyrolysis FTIR in order to quantify the volume of CO2 removed by carbonation during simulated atmospheric entry of micrometeorites. Significant carbonation could have affected the composition of early atmospheres, and thus such reactions may have had an influence on the origin and development of life on Earth.
The second sub-project will investigate the barometry potential of a common suite of cosmic organic molecules: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Any changes in the infrared spectra of example PAHs with pressure will be examined using synchrotron light; this will aid the development of the use of organic markers as diagnostic indicators of pressure.
The third sub-project will use pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry and hydrous pyrolysis in order to examine the spectra of aqueously altered biomarkers, relevant to those that may be found in the plumes of icy moons, such as Europa and Enceladus. The fragmentation patterns produced during pyrolysis are thought to be analogous to those formed upon impact dissociation. The data collected here will aid the interpretation of complex mass spectra collected by the on-board mass spectrometer (MASPEX) during the NASA Europa multiple flyby mission, which is set to launch in the 2020s.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Mark Sephton (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Zoe Hodges (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/N504312/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1950365 | Studentship | ST/N504312/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/03/2021 | Zoe Hodges |