Stability of magnesite in the presence of hydrous fluids up to 12 GPa: Insights into subduction zone processes and carbon cycling in the Earth’s mantle

What is it about?

Unlocking the Secrets of the Earth’s Carbon Cycle! Did you know that the Earth’s interior plays a crucial role in regulating atmospheric CO2 levels? The deep Earth’s carbon secrets are slowly being revealed, with important implications for our planet’s future climate. Our new research sheds light on how magnesite, a key mineral containing ~52wt% CO2, behaves in the presence of fluids deep within the Earth. By studying magnesite’s stability under the extreme pressure and temperature conditions of the Earth’s interior, we gained important insights into the carbon cycle and how carbon moves through the Earth. We used advanced techniques to simulate the extreme conditions deep inside the Earth and simultaneously shoot magnesite with a very-high energy X-ray beam. We discovered that even when magnesite comes into contact with water-rich fluids, it remains stable in the harsh conditions found at great depths. This finding is important because it suggests that magnesite, and hence carbon C, can be transported deep into the Earth’s interior without breaking down. This has big implications for our understanding of the carbon cycle and how it regulates Earth’s long-term climate. By tracking the stability of magnesite, we now can better predict how carbon behaves in the Earth’s interior and its impact on atmospheric CO2 levels over geological timescales. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dDq-rQVd #CO2 #Carbon #Earth #petrology#mineralogy #geology

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Why is it important?

Our new research sheds light on how magnesite, a key mineral containing ~52wt% CO2, behaves in the presence of fluids deep within the Earth. By studying magnesite’s stability under the extreme pressure and temperature conditions of the Earth’s interior, we gained important insights into the carbon cycle and how carbon moves through the Earth.