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Carbon is the basis of all organic matter on Earth, and is recycled through the ecosystem in two primary processes: one in which carbon is exchanged among living organisms, and one in which carbon is cycled over long periods of time through fossilized organic remains, weathering of rocks, and volcanic activity. Human activities, including increased agricultural practices and the burning of fossil fuels, has greatly affected the balance of the natural carbon cycle.
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Subducting carbon.

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Earth harbors a hidden carbon cycle where megatons of carbon enter subduction zones annually. This process influences atmospheric carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, impacting geological history.

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Area of Science:

  • Geochemistry
  • Earth Science
  • Volcanology

Background:

  • A significant amount of carbon annually enters Earth's subduction zones.
  • This subducted carbon influences atmospheric composition and Earth's long-term carbon balance.
  • Understanding the fate of subducted carbon is crucial for comprehending global biogeochemical cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the processes governing the movement and transformation of carbon within subduction zones.
  • To investigate the sources and recycling mechanisms of carbon dioxide emitted by arc volcanoes.
  • To analyze the global variability in carbon input and remobilization at convergent margins.

Main Methods:

  • Review of geological processes involved in carbon transport to subduction zones.
  • Analysis of the transformation of subducted carbon into fluids, magmas, volcanic gases, and diamonds.
  • Examination of the composition of volcanic gases and their relation to subducted materials.

Main Results:

  • Carbon enters subduction zones via microfossils, organic matter, and carbonate precipitates.
  • Volcanic carbon dioxide emissions are primarily sourced from recycled subducted materials.
  • The transformation and release of carbon vary significantly across different subduction zones globally.

Conclusions:

  • Subduction zones act as critical conduits for a hidden carbon cycle within Earth.
  • The recycling of subducted carbon significantly impacts atmospheric CO2 and O2 levels throughout Earth's history.
  • Convergent margins serve as natural laboratories for studying the complex subduction carbon cycle.