Journal
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
Volume 89, Issue 1-3, Pages 322-325Publisher
ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.gexplo.2005.11.024
Keywords
methane; irradiation; Mars; Europa
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The release of methane from crater sites following meteorite impact is a possible consequence of the thermal alteration of organic matter, or tapping of reservoired gas of biogenic or abiogenic origin. At least the latter is feasible on Mars. Methane and higher hydrocarbons are susceptible to polymerization and precipitation by radioactive minerals. Where such minerals are present in impact target rocks, the craters can be a preferred site for carbon concentration, and the formation of complex organic molecules. On icy bodies, such as Titan and Europa, methane released by impact could be a fuel for prebiotic chemistry involving other forms of irradiation. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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