Jupiter's moon Europa, the sixth largest in the solar system, is a frigid wasteland but ironically contains much more of the elements that spark the development of life than commonly believed.

New data from NASA shows the interaction between radiation and water molecules on Europa's surface might be supplying its ocean with oxidants such as oxygen with the ability to oxidize other substances. On the other hand, interactions between water and rock deep in Europa's interior may supply the planet ocean with hydrogen.

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The presence of these two key ingredients for life in abundance might mean the existence of primitive microbial life adapted to the severe cold. Europa or Jupiter II has an average surface temperature at the equator of minus 160 degrees Celsius and is covered by a thick ice shell.

What is surprising is Europa's stores of oxygen and hydrogen are being produced without volcanic activity such as the phenomenon that helped give birth to life on Earth.

Life's biological processes require the correct balance of chemical properties. Scientists suspect the ocean on Europa might harbor the right mix of chemicals. Based on new analysis, scientists suggest Europa's salty seas encased underneath massive ice sheets might produce the right balance of chemical energy to host life without hydrothermal activity.

"We're studying an alien ocean using methods developed to understand the movement of energy and nutrients in Earth's own systems," said Steve Vance, a planetary scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

"The cycling of oxygen and hydrogen in Europa's ocean will be a major driver for Europa's ocean chemistry and any life there, just as it is on Earth."

Scientists surmise Europa's rocky interior is much more Earth-like than previously suggested. Interactions between rocks and Europa's ocean water may produce hydrogen in a process called serpentinization.

In this process, water trapped in crevices interacts with molecules to form new minerals, releasing hydrogen in the process. Scientists hypothesize that Europa's seawater may extend as deep as 15 miles into Europa's rocky interior.

The oxygen is likely delivered from when radiation from Jupiter splits water molecules on Europa's icy surface. Oxidants are created and cycled into the ocean where they react with hydrogen.

Previous studies theorized Europa requires either hydrothermal vents of volcanic activity to generate mineral-rich hot water and the life-giving qualities similar to Earth's ocean.

NASA astronomers have also discovered Europa has hydrogen peroxide across much of the surface of its leading hemisphere, a compound that could potentially provide energy for life if it's found its way into the moon's subsurface ocean.

TagsEuropa, Jupiter, NASA, Jupiter II