On the Habitability of Aquaplanets

Abstract

An Aquatic Habitability Index is proposed, based on Quantitative Habitability Theory, and considering a very general model for life. It is a primary habitability index, measuring habitability for phytoplankton in the first place. The index is applied to some case studies, such as the habitability changes in Earth due to environmental perturbations caused by asteroid impacts.

Keywords

• life emergence
• habitability
• primary production
• photosynthesis
• phytoplankton