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Area of Science:

  • Geochemistry
  • Ecology
  • Astrobiology

Background:

  • Ecosystem-bedrock interactions are fundamental to Earth's biogeochemical cycles and the evolution of the shallow crust.
  • The precise role of the biosphere in early rock weathering and regolith development remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how different ecosystem components regulate element release and distribution during incipient rock weathering.
  • To quantify the impact of biota on mineral dissolution, element mobility, and the formation of biosignatures.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a two-year incipient weathering experiment using granite, rhyolite, schist, and basalt.
  • Compared element release and distribution under abiotic conditions versus biotic treatments (microbial, fungal, plant).
  • Analyzed changes in elemental stoichiometry and mass balance.

Main Results:

  • Rock-specific elemental release and compartmentalization were observed, regulated by ecosystem components.
  • Biota accelerated carbon dioxide mineralization, with increased acceleration in more complex ecosystems.
  • Plants increased element leaching and biomass retention, while microbes and fungi inhibited leaching.
  • All biota produced comparable biosignatures in dissolved weathering products.

Conclusions:

  • Biotic factors significantly modify elemental mobility and stoichiometry during rock weathering.
  • Provides quantitative evidence for the biosphere's role in upper continental crust evolution.
  • Offers critical data for biogeochemical models and the search for extraterrestrial biosignatures.