How Life Drives Mountain Building on Earth and Its Implications for Space Exploration

Explore the fascinating connection between life and mountain formation on Earth in this 16-minute video lecture. Delve into the history of mountain building and discover how life has contributed to this process throughout geological time. Learn about the increase in carbon production due to life, the higher carbon content in older rocks, and how carbon deposits influence mountain formation. Examine the presence of organic carbon in ancient mountains and its ongoing role in mountain building. Consider whether life is necessary for mountain formation and if mountains existed before the emergence of life. Investigate the main drivers of tectonics and mountain building, and ponder whether mountains could be indicators of life on other planets. Finally, discuss the relationship between plate tectonics and the existence of life, gaining insights that may prove valuable for future space exploration efforts.

How Mountains Form on Earth
Increase in life & C production
Higher C content of old vs young rocks
Can C deposits cause mountain building?
Organic C in ancient mountains
This C continues to build mountains
Is life required for mountains to form?
Were there mountains before life?
Main driver of tectonics & mtn building
Are mountains a sign of life?
Is Plate tectonics required for life?