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Deep carbon recycling viewed from global plate tectonics.
Maoliang Zhang1, Sheng Xu1, Yuji Sano2,3
1School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
National Science Review
|June 27, 2024
Summary
Plate tectonics recycles carbon, maintaining Earth's habitability. Deep carbon recycling shows a near balance, but limited return to the mantle suggests gradual lithospheric carbon accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Geodynamics
- Planetary Science
Background:
- Plate tectonics is crucial for redistributing volatile elements, essential for Earth's long-term habitability.
- Deep carbon recycling links Earth's interior and surface processes, influencing planetary habitability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To overview deep carbon recycling within modern plate tectonics.
- To assess global carbon mass balance, focusing on convergent plate margins.
Main Methods:
- Compilation of up-to-date carbon flux data.
- Analysis of deep carbon outflux and subduction carbon influx.
- Emphasis on convergent plate margins and continental reworking.
Main Results:
- Approximate balance between deep carbon outflux and subduction carbon influx, with uncertainty.
- Limited return of carbon to the convecting mantle.
- Potential for gradual carbon accumulation in the lithosphere.
Conclusions:
- Continental lithosphere and seafloor sinks may accumulate carbon due to deep carbon cycling.
- Further research needs to refine flux estimates and understand carbon remobilization.
- Integrated studies are vital for decoding the self-regulating Earth system and habitability.
Keywords:
continental reworkingconvergent plate marginsdeep carbon recyclingglobal carbon mass balancesubductionMore Related Videos
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