A model for diagenesis in proto-planetary bodies

A model is proposed which eases the thermal constraints imposed by earlier models of low-temperature aqueous alteration in primitive extraterrestrial materials in which formation of an aqueous medium promoting these alterations required complete melting of the water-ice. It is argued that low-temperature alterations in a protoplanetary body such as the formation of hydrated silicates will occur because of the presence of an interfacial water layer.