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Linking deep CO2 outgassing to cratonic destruction
Zhao-Xue Wang1, Sheng-Ao Liu1, Shuguang Li1
1State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China.
National Science Review
|June 8, 2022
Summary
Cratonic destruction released significant carbon dioxide (CO2) from the Earth's mantle. This process, involving metasomatized mantle and carbonated melts, contributed to early Cretaceous greenhouse climate conditions.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Geology
- Climate Science
Background:
- Earth's interior carbon dioxide (CO2) outgassing influences deep-time climate regulation.
- Cratonic destruction is a key geological process with potential climate implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cratonic destruction in mantle CO2 outgassing.
- To analyze CO2 emissions from the eastern North China Craton (NCC) during its Cretaceous destruction.
Main Methods:
- Collating and presenting new data for Paleozoic kimberlites and Mesozoic basaltic rocks from the eastern NCC.
- Analyzing mantle xenoliths and lamprophyres for geochemical signatures (Ca/Al, Ti/Eu, δ26Mg).
- Utilizing Raman spectroscopy on melt inclusions to determine CO2 content and melting processes.
Main Results:
- Evidence of pervasive metasomatism by recycled carbonates in the cratonic lithospheric mantle (CLM).
- Redox melting of carbon-rich CLM produced high-CO2 carbonated silicate melts.
- Significant CO2 degassing occurred due to melt-CLM reactions and crustal heating.
Conclusions:
- Destruction of the eastern NCC led to rapid and extensive mantle CO2 emission.
- This CO2 release partially contributed to the early Cretaceous greenhouse climate episode.
- Cratonic destruction is a significant factor in deep-time carbon cycling and climate.
Keywords:
CO2 outgassingNorth China Cratoncarbonate metasomatismcratonic destructiondeep carbon cyclinglithospheric mantleMore Related Videos
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