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Abiotic Oxygen Buildup: Biosignature False Positive

Interactive 3D model of abiotic O2 buildup on planets orbiting active M dwarfs: XUV-driven photolysis splits water into escaping hydrogen and left-behind oxygen, and the Hunten crossover-mass criterion decides whether O2 accumulates into a false-positive biosignature.

Space & Astronomy3DAdvanced60 FPS📱 Mobile-adapted⇄ 2D version

Around active M dwarfs, intense XUV radiation photolyses water vapor into hydrogen and oxygen high in a planet's atmosphere. The light hydrogen escapes to space while the heavier oxygen can be left behind and accumulate into a thick, life-free O2 atmosphere — a genuine astrophysical mechanism that can mimic a photosynthesis biosignature. This simulator models the real physics behind that process: energy-limited XUV-driven hydrodynamic escape and the Hunten crossover-mass criterion that decides whether oxygen is dragged away with the hydrogen or left to build up. Adjust the star's XUV output, the planet's mass, and its starting water inventory, then watch the ocean deplete and the abiotic O2 level rise (or not) as the crossover mass crosses the mass of oxygen in real time.

⚙ Under the hood

Simulate XUV-driven photolysis of water on a planet orbiting an active M dwarf: hydrogen escapes to space while oxygen may be left behind and accumulate into a life-free O2 atmosphere that mimics a biosignature.

exoplanetsbiosignaturesatmospheric-escapeastrobiologyM-dwarfsphotolysis

3D · Three.js / WebGL renderer · 60 FPS target · runs fully client-side, no install