GMPV3.1 | Serpentinization Processes across Environments: From Earth's Ocean Floors to Extraterrestrial Bodies
Serpentinization Processes across Environments: From Earth's Ocean Floors to Extraterrestrial Bodies
Co-organized by BG7/PS2
Convener: Carlos J. Garrido | Co-convener: Marta Pérez-Gussinyé

This session examines serpentinization processes across various geological settings, from Earth's deep ocean floors to the surfaces of extraterrestrial bodies. We seek contributions that: (i) explore the role of serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal systems in the origin of life, focusing on early Earth conditions, such as hydrothermal vents and hyperalkaline springs, where the unique chemistry of serpentinites may have fostered prebiotic chemistry and the emergence of primitive life forms; (ii) aim to understand the physical properties of serpentinites, such as their rheology and magnetism, and how these properties influence mechanical and tectonic processes, including subduction dynamics in forearcs, mantle wedge hydration, fluid flow mechanisms, and the interplay between serpentinization and hydrothermal activity at mid-ocean ridges and continental-ocean transitions; (iii) investigate the role of serpentinites in Earth’s volatile geochemical cycles, from mid-ocean ridges to subduction processes, examining the role of fore-arc serpentinization, high-pressure devolatilization in volatile cycling, and redox processes, and their implications for arc volcanism and deep-Earth volatile recycling; (iv) explore the roles of serpentinites in hydrogen production across environments, including low-temperature serpentinization and its role in hydrogen production, crucial for sustaining microbial life, and the generation of geologic hydrogen as a potential energy source and its societal impact; (v) consider the broader implications of serpentinization on other planetary bodies, where similar processes might occur, potentially supporting life beyond Earth.

Contributions from various fields, including geodynamics, geochemistry, biochemistry, and geology, are welcome, incorporating theoretical, experimental, and natural examples. We encourage studies that address the intersection of serpentinization with broader planetary and astrobiological contexts, providing insights into the feedback mechanisms between serpentinization, hydrothermal budgets, and geological evolution in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments.

This session examines serpentinization processes across various geological settings, from Earth's deep ocean floors to the surfaces of extraterrestrial bodies. We seek contributions that: (i) explore the role of serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal systems in the origin of life, focusing on early Earth conditions, such as hydrothermal vents and hyperalkaline springs, where the unique chemistry of serpentinites may have fostered prebiotic chemistry and the emergence of primitive life forms; (ii) aim to understand the physical properties of serpentinites, such as their rheology and magnetism, and how these properties influence mechanical and tectonic processes, including subduction dynamics in forearcs, mantle wedge hydration, fluid flow mechanisms, and the interplay between serpentinization and hydrothermal activity at mid-ocean ridges and continental-ocean transitions; (iii) investigate the role of serpentinites in Earth’s volatile geochemical cycles, from mid-ocean ridges to subduction processes, examining the role of fore-arc serpentinization, high-pressure devolatilization in volatile cycling, and redox processes, and their implications for arc volcanism and deep-Earth volatile recycling; (iv) explore the roles of serpentinites in hydrogen production across environments, including low-temperature serpentinization and its role in hydrogen production, crucial for sustaining microbial life, and the generation of geologic hydrogen as a potential energy source and its societal impact; (v) consider the broader implications of serpentinization on other planetary bodies, where similar processes might occur, potentially supporting life beyond Earth.

Contributions from various fields, including geodynamics, geochemistry, biochemistry, and geology, are welcome, incorporating theoretical, experimental, and natural examples. We encourage studies that address the intersection of serpentinization with broader planetary and astrobiological contexts, providing insights into the feedback mechanisms between serpentinization, hydrothermal budgets, and geological evolution in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments.