Definition
Oxygen has three stable isotopes: oxygen-16, oxygen-17, and oxygen-18. In most studies on terrestrial samples, only the 18O/16O ratio is usually measured and discussed, where the mass-dependent fractionation law, expressed by δ17O ≈ 0.52 × δ18O, can be safely assumed (see Delta, Isotopic, for the δ notation). The δ17O values among extraterrestrial samples significantly deviate from the above shown relationship. This deviation bears prime importance in cosmochemistry and, naturally, in astrobiology.
Overview
Oxygen is the most abundant element in the planetary system, except among the giant planets, Jupiter and Saturn, where hydrogen and helium dominate their masses. Oxygen is accommodated as a major constituent in most types of building blocks, rocks (MOx), water (H2O), and organics (CHONS), which are essential in constructing a terrestrial planet, particularly a habitable planet. Oxygen isotope compositions among solid planetary materials are generally expected to bear...
Keywords
- Isotope anomaly
- Fractionation mass independent
- Organic matter
- Photochemistry
- Self-shielding
- Solar composition
- Water
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References and Further Reading
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Hashizume, K. (2014). Oxygen Isotopes. In: Amils, R., et al. Encyclopedia of Astrobiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_1138-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_1138-6
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Latest
Oxygen Isotopes- Published:
- 06 December 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_1138-7
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Original
Oxygen Isotopes- Published:
- 07 May 2015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_1138-6