Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2025
07:32
Monitoring Pedogenic Inorganic Carbon Accumulation Due to Weathering of Amended Silicate Minerals in Agricultural Soils.
Published on: June 4, 2021
5.1K
Enhanced metamorphic CO2 release on the Proterozoic Earth.
E M Stewart1, Donald E Penman2
1Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306.
Summary
Rock metamorphism released significant carbon dioxide (CO2) during the Proterozoic, potentially warming early Earth. This enhanced CO2 release may explain warmer global temperatures during early life
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Paleoclimatology
- Earth Science
Background:
- Rock metamorphism is a significant source of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) over geological timescales.
- The rate of metamorphic CO2 release is influenced by carbonate sediment composition and crustal thermal conditions.
- Metamorphic CO2 degassing has likely varied throughout Earth's history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of enhanced metamorphic CO2 release during the Proterozoic on global climate.
- To quantify the potential increase in atmospheric CO2 levels due to Proterozoic metamorphic processes.
Main Methods:
- Thermodynamic phase equilibria modeling to predict metamorphic carbon flux.
- Utilizing the carbon cycle model PreCOSCIOUS for analytical and numerical simulations.
- Estimating the effects on Proterozoic carbon cycling and atmospheric composition.
Main Results:
- Metamorphic carbon flux in the Mesoproterozoic Era was approximately 1.7 times greater than present-day rates.
- Enhanced metamorphic CO2 release could elevate partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) by a factor of four or more compared to modern rates.
- This increased CO2 release contributes to a stronger greenhouse effect and warmer global temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Proterozoic metamorphic CO2 degassing was significantly higher than today.
- This enhanced degassing likely played a crucial role in maintaining warmer global temperatures during the early expansion of life.
- Variations in crustal conditions and carbonate rock types influenced long-term climate trends.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14The Carbon Cycle
37.1K
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.
37.1K
01:22The Sulfur Cycle
43.9K
Sulfur, an important element in the chemical makeup of proteins, is recycled through the atmosphere and aquatic and terrestrial environments. Found in the atmosphere as sulfur dioxide (SO2), sulfur is released by decaying organisms, weathered rocks, geothermal vents, volcanos, and burning fossil fuels. It is deposited into the ecosystem, cycled through the biotic community, and either released back into the atmosphere as gas or deposited in marine sediment for long-term storage and eventual...
43.9K
00:46Bioremediation
18.2K
Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
18.2K
01:50Global Climate Change
24.3K
Throughout its ~4.5 billion year history, the Earth has experienced periods of warming and cooling. However, the current drastic increase in global temperatures is well outside of the Earth’s cyclic norms, and evidence for human-caused global climate change is compelling. Paleoclimatology, the study of ancient climate conditions, provides ample evidence for human-caused global climate change by comparing recent conditions with those in the past.
24.3K
01:24Carbonation Shrinkage
115
Atmospheric CO2 penetrates the concrete's pores and, in the presence of moisture, forms carbonic acid, which then reacts with calcium hydroxide in the hydrated cement, forming calcium carbonate. This process reduces the concrete's volume and is termed carbonation shrinkage.
The concrete's permeability is slightly reduced as calcium carbonate produced during the reaction fills its pores. Furthermore, its strength is slightly enhanced as the water released during the reaction...
The concrete's permeability is slightly reduced as calcium carbonate produced during the reaction fills its pores. Furthermore, its strength is slightly enhanced as the water released during the reaction...
115
01:21The Phosphorus Cycle
36.6K
Unlike carbon, water, and nitrogen, phosphorus is not present in the atmosphere as a gas. Instead, most phosphorus in the ecosystem exists as compounds, such as phosphate ions (PO43-), found in soil, water, sediment and rocks. Phosphorus is often a limiting nutrient (i.e., in short supply). Consequently, phosphorus is added to most agricultural fertilizers, which can cause environmental problems related to runoff in aquatic ecosystems.
36.6K