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Hamp, Rachael; Schwenzer, Susanne; Olsson-Francis, Karen and Pearson, Victoria
(2020).
Abstract
Understanding the geochemical cycles occurring at the water-rock interface on Enceladus is crucial for establishing the potential habitability of the subsurface environment. Using data collected by the Cassini spacecraft (2005-2017) and estimates of the starting composition of the sub-surface ocean on Enceladus, we have modelled how the ocean interacts with a silicate simulant representing the rocky interior. The results from these models define a hypothesized modern ocean chemistry and provide an insight into the geochemical reactions occurring at the water-rock interface. The results from this work support observations made by Cassini, suggesting our chosen starting conditions could provide an insight into the history of Enceladus.