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Deep carbon cycle constrained by carbonate solubility

Author

Listed:
  • Stefan Farsang

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Marion Louvel

    (WWU Münster)

  • Chaoshuai Zhao

    (Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research (HPSTAR))

  • Mohamed Mezouar

    (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility)

  • Angelika D. Rosa

    (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility)

  • Remo N. Widmer

    (Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures)

  • Xiaolei Feng

    (University of Cambridge
    Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research (HPSTAR))

  • Jin Liu

    (Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research (HPSTAR))

  • Simon A. T. Redfern

    (Nanyang Technological University)

Abstract

Earth’s deep carbon cycle affects atmospheric CO2, climate, and habitability. Owing to the extreme solubility of CaCO3, aqueous fluids released from the subducting slab could extract all carbon from the slab. However, recycling efficiency is estimated at only around 40%. Data from carbonate inclusions, petrology, and Mg isotope systematics indicate Ca2+ in carbonates is replaced by Mg2+ and other cations during subduction. Here we determined the solubility of dolomite [CaMg(CO3)2] and rhodochrosite (MnCO3), and put an upper limit on that of magnesite (MgCO3) under subduction zone conditions. Solubility decreases at least two orders of magnitude as carbonates become Mg-rich. This decreased solubility, coupled with heterogeneity of carbon and water subduction, may explain discrepancies in carbon recycling estimates. Over a range of slab settings, we find aqueous dissolution responsible for mobilizing 10 to 92% of slab carbon. Globally, aqueous fluids mobilise $${35}_{-17}^{+20}$$ 35 − 17 + 20 % ( $${27}_{-13}^{+16}$$ 27 − 13 + 16 Mt/yr) of subducted carbon from subducting slabs.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Farsang & Marion Louvel & Chaoshuai Zhao & Mohamed Mezouar & Angelika D. Rosa & Remo N. Widmer & Xiaolei Feng & Jin Liu & Simon A. T. Redfern, 2021. "Deep carbon cycle constrained by carbonate solubility," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-24533-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24533-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. C. R. Ranero & J. Phipps Morgan & K. McIntosh & C. Reichert, 2003. "Bending-related faulting and mantle serpentinization at the Middle America trench," Nature, Nature, vol. 425(6956), pages 367-373, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mengfan Chu & Rui Bao & Michael Strasser & Ken Ikehara & Jez Everest & Lena Maeda & Katharina Hochmuth & Li Xu & Ann McNichol & Piero Bellanova & Troy Rasbury & Martin Kölling & Natascha Riedinger & J, 2023. "Earthquake-enhanced dissolved carbon cycles in ultra-deep ocean sediments," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Furszyfer Del Rio, Dylan D. & Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Griffiths, Steve & Bazilian, Morgan & Kim, Jinsoo & Foley, Aoife M. & Rooney, David, 2022. "Decarbonizing the pulp and paper industry: A critical and systematic review of sociotechnical developments and policy options," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    3. Sharma, Swati & Ang, James B. & Fredriksson, Per G., 2021. "Religiosity and climate change policies," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    4. Felix Kapfhammer, 2023. "The Economic Consequences of Effective Carbon Taxes," Working Papers No 01/2023, Centre for Applied Macro- and Petroleum economics (CAMP), BI Norwegian Business School.
    5. Tostado-Véliz, Marcos & León-Japa, Rogelio S. & Jurado, Francisco, 2021. "Optimal electrification of off-grid smart homes considering flexible demand and vehicle-to-home capabilities," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 298(C).
    6. Tan, Chang & Yu, Xiang & Guan, Yuru, 2022. "A technology-driven pathway to net-zero carbon emissions for China's cement industry," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 325(C).

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