Researchers have determined that oceans are the key to Earth-like life evolving on other planets, according to a new study.
Ocean's make planet's climate more stable, so factoring them into climate models is important for knowing if the planet could develop and sustain life.
"The number of planets being discovered outside our solar system is rapidly increasing. This research will help answer whether or not these planets could sustain alien life," said Professor David Stevens from UEA's school of Mathematics, according to
Research was conducted at the University of East Anglia. Their research showed the important role of oceans in moderating climate on Earth-like planets.
Before their research, computer simulations of habitable climates on Earth-like planets strictly focused on their atmospheres. Researchers now believe the presence of oceans is the key for optimal climate habitability and stability.
"We know that many planets are completely uninhabitable because they are either too close or too far from their sun. A planet's habitable zone is based on its distance from the sun and temperatures at which it is possible for the planet to have liquid water.
"But until now, most habitability models have neglected the impact of oceans on climate," said Stevens.
The new model will help the researchers understand what the climates of other planets might be like with more accurate detail than ever before, according to Stevens.
Researchers were able to make a computer simulated pattern of ocean circulation on a hypothetical Earth-like planet covered with oceans.
"Oceans have an immense capacity to control climate. They are beneficial because they cause the surface temperature to respond very slowly to seasonal changes in solar heating. And they help ensure that temperature swings across a planet are kept to tolerable levels," said Stevens.
They were able to see how differently planetary rotation rates would impact heat transport with the presence of oceans.
"We found that heat transported by oceans would have a major impact on the temperature distribution across a planet, and would potentially allow a greater area of a planet to be habitable," Stevens said.
The study was published recently in the journal Astrobiology.
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