EPS Colloquium – Dustin Trail, University of Rochester

Early Earth environments and the origin of life

The conditions that gave rise to life on Earth are still unknown. Despite this, there is broad agreement that the early planet was habitable, with interactions between low-temperature water and rock, potentially creating the substrate upon which life arose. While planetary-scale constraints are a crucial part of habitability, it’s likely that key prebiotic chemistry occurred in smaller, more localized environments. This presentation will examine the early Earth environment on a global scale through zircon chemistry, while also delving into possible local environments and scenarios that may have played a significant role in prebiotic chemistry or the emergence of life.

To be added to the EPS colloquium mailing list, please contact Caroline Carr at carolinecarr@fas.harvard.edu.