Abstract:
The tectonic regime of the early Earth has proven enigmatic due to a scarcity of preserved continental crust, yet how early continents were generated is key to deciphering Earth’s evolution. Here we show that a compilation of data from 4.3 to 3.4 Ga igneous and detrital zircons records a secular shift to higher ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf after ~3.8–3.6 Ga. This globally evident shift indicates that continental crust formation before ~3.8–3.6 Ga largely occurred by internal reworking of long-lived mafic protocrust, whereas later continental crust formation involved extensive input of relatively juvenile magmas, which were produced from rapid remelting of oceanic lithosphere. We propose that this secular shift in the global hafnium isotope record reflects a gradual yet widespread transition from stagnant-lid to mobile-lid tectonics on the early Earth.

A.M. Bauer, J.R. Reimink, T. Chacko, B.J. Foley, S.B. Shirey, D.G. Pearson

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2020) 14, 1 – 6 | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.2015 | Published 16 April 2020

Article views: 2,452

Abstract:
Marine sediments have been considered to be a major sink for microplastics, yet the pollution history of microplastics recorded in these sediments remains poorly understood. Using a combination of ²¹⁰Pb chronology and quantification of microplastics in undisturbed sediment cores, here we established the forty-year pollution history of microplastics in the northern South China Sea (SCS), the largest marginal sea of the western Pacific. We found that the pollution of microplastics in the northern SCS commenced in the 1980s. A dramatic increase of microplastic abundance in about 1998 marked an important breakpoint for microplastic contamination. Since then, microplastic abundances in the sediments have continued to increase and reached the highest level in 2018. This was well in line with the increasing trend of plastic output in the local industries. Reconstructing regional pollution history further revealed the shift of microplastic depocentres in the northern SCS over the past forty years. We estimated that the microplastic abundances in the sediments at nearshore stations will double by 2028. Our results provide the first example of the reconstruction of microplastic pollution history in marine sediments and new insights into how microplastics contaminated the marginal sea.

M. Chen, M. Du, A. Jin, S. Chen, S. Dasgupta, J. Li, H. Xu, K. Ta, X. Peng

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2020) 13, 42 – 47 | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.2012 | Published 3 April 2020

Article views: 1,334

J.R. Reimink, D.G. Pearson, S.B. Shirey, R.W. Carlson, J.W.F. Ketchum

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2020) 14, 8 – | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.1907cor | Published 25 May 2020

Article views: 88

Abstract:
Tungsten isotopes are the ideal tracers of core-mantle chemical interaction. Given that W is moderately siderophile, it preferentially partitioned into the Earth’s core during its segregation, leaving the mantle depleted in this element. In contrast, Hf is lithophile, and its short-lived radioactive isotope ¹⁸²Hf decayed entirely to ¹⁸²W in the mantle after metal-silicate segregation. Therefore, the ¹⁸²W isotopic composition of the Earth’s mantle and its core are expected to differ by about 200 ppm. Here, we report new high precision W isotope data for mantle-derived rock samples from the Paleoarchean Pilbara Craton, and the Réunion Island and the Kerguelen Archipelago hotspots. Together with other available data, they reveal a temporal shift in the ¹⁸²W isotopic composition of the mantle that is best explained by core-mantle chemical interaction. Core-mantle exchange might be facilitated by diffusive isotope exchange at the core-mantle boundary, or the exsolution of W-rich, Si-Mg-Fe oxides from the core into the mantle. Tungsten-182 isotope compositions of mantle-derived magmas are similar from 4.3 to 2.7 Ga and decrease afterwards. This change could be related to the onset of the crystallisation of the inner core or to the initiation of post-Archean deep slab subduction that more efficiently mixed the mantle.

H. Rizo, D. Andrault, N.R. Bennett, M. Humayun, A. Brandon, I. Vlastelic, B. Moine, A. Poirier, M.A. Bouhifd, D.T. Murphy

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2019) 11, 6 – 11 | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.1917 | Published 20 June 2019

Article views: 14,361

Abstract:
Abiotic formation of n-alkane hydrocarbons has been postulated to occur within Earth's crust. Apparent evidence was primarily based on uncommon carbon and hydrogen isotope distribution patterns that set methane and its higher chain homologues apart from biotic isotopic compositions associated with microbial production and closed system thermal degradation of organic matter. Here, we present the first global investigation of the carbon and hydrogen isotopic compositions of n-alkanes in volcanic-hydrothermal fluids hosted by basaltic, andesitic, trachytic and rhyolitic rocks. We show that the bulk isotopic compositions of these gases follow trends that are characteristic of high temperature, open system degradation of organic matter. In sediment-free systems, organic matter is supplied by surface waters (seawater, meteoric water) circulating through the reservoir rocks. Our data set strongly implies that thermal degradation of organic matter is able to satisfy isotopic criteria previously classified as being indicative of abiogenesis. Further considering the ubiquitous presence of surface waters in Earth’s crust, abiotic hydrocarbon occurrences might have been significantly overestimated.

J. Fiebig, A. Stefánsson, A. Ricci, F. Tassi, F. Viveiros, C. Silva, T.M. Lopez, C. Schreiber, S. Hofmann, B.W. Mountain

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2019) 11, 23 – 27 | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.1920 | Published 30 July 2019

Article views: 4,372

Abstract:
Although subduction zones are the main source of seismic and volcanic hazards on Earth, the causes of melting in volcanic arcs are still not fully understood. Recent models suggested that melting in the mantle wedge is not caused by hydrous fluids, but by sediment melts ascending from the subducted slab. A main argument for these models was that hydrous fluids are “too dilute” to produce the trace element enrichment observed in arc magmas. Here we demonstrate experimentally that even moderate salinities enhance the partitioning of trace elements such as the light rare earths, alkalis, alkaline earths, Pb, and U into the fluid by several orders of magnitude. Our data therefore show that saline hydrous fluids released from the basaltic part of the oceanic crust may produce the enrichment in LILE and light REE elements, and the negative Nb-Ta anomaly observed in typical arc magmas.

G. Rustioni, A. Audétat, H. Keppler

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2019) 11, 49 – 54 | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.1925 | Published 22 October 2019

Article views: 3,661

Abstract:
The continental crust grew and matured compositionally during the Palaeo- to Neoarchean through the addition of juvenile tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) crust. This change has been linked to the start of global plate tectonics, following the general interpretation that TTGs represent ancient analogues of arc magmas. To test this, we analysed B concentrations and isotope compositions in 3.8-2.8 Ga TTGs from different Archean terranes. The ¹¹B/¹⁰B values and B concentrations of the TTGs, and their correlation with Zr/Hf, indicate differentiation from a common B-poor mafic source that did not undergo addition of B from seawater or seawater-altered rocks. The TTGs thus do not resemble magmatic rocks from active margins, which clearly reflect such B addition to their source. The B- and ¹¹B-poor nature of TTGs indicates that modern style subduction may not have been a dominant process in the formation of juvenile continental crust before 2.8 Ga.

M.A. Smit, A. Scherstén, T. Næraa, R.B. Emo, E.E. Scherer, P. Sprung, W. Bleeker, K. Mezger, A. Maltese, Y. Cai, E.T. Rasbury, M.J. Whitehouse

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2019) 12, 23 – 26 | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.1930 | Published 14 November 2019

Article views: 3,002

Abstract:
Fluid inclusions trapped in fast-growing diamonds provide a unique opportunity to examine the origin of diamonds, and the conditions under which they formed. Eclogitic to websteritic diamondites from southern Africa show ¹³C-depletion and ¹⁵N-enrichment relative to mantle values (δ¹³C = -4.3 to -22.2 ‰ and δ¹⁵N = -4.9 to +23.2 ‰). In contrast the ³He/⁴He of the trapped fluids have a strong mantle signature, one sample has the highest value so far recorded for African diamonds (8.5 ± 0.4 R_a). We find no evidence for deep mantle He in these diamondites, or indeed in any diamonds from southern Africa. A correlation between ³He/⁴He ratios and ³He concentration suggests that the low ³He/⁴He are largely the result of ingrowth of radiogenic ⁴He in the trapped fluids since diamond formation. The He-C-N isotope systematics can be best described by mixing between fluid released from subducted altered oceanic crust and mantle volatiles. The high ³He/⁴He of low δ¹³C diamondites reflects the high ³He concentration in the mantle fluids relative to the slab-derived fluids. The presence of post-crystallisation ⁴He in the fluids means that all ³He/⁴He are minima, which in turn implies that the slab-derived carbon has a sedimentary organic origin. In short, although carbon and nitrogen stable isotope data show strong evidence for crustal sources for diamond-formation, helium isotopes reveal an unambiguous mantle component hidden within a strongly ¹³C-depleted system.

S. Mikhail, J.C. Crosby, F.M. Stuart, L. DiNicola, F.A.J. Abernethy

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2019) 11, 39 – 43 | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.1923 | Published 10 October 2019

Article views: 2,622

Abstract:
Chemical weathering of silicate rocks is a primary drawdown mechanism of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The processes that affect weathering are therefore central in controlling global climate. A temperature-controlled “weathering thermostat” has long been proposed in stabilising long-term climate, but without definitive evidence from the geologic record. Here we use lithium isotopes (δ⁷Li) to assess the impact of silicate weathering across a significant climate-cooling period, the end-Ordovician Hirnantian glaciation (~445 Ma). We find a positive δ⁷Li excursion, suggestive of a silicate weathering decline. Using a coupled lithium-carbon model, we show that initiation of the glaciation was likely caused by declining CO₂ degassing, which triggered abrupt global cooling, and much lower weathering rates. This lower CO₂ drawdown during the glaciation allowed climatic recovery and deglaciation. Combined, the data and model provide support from the geological record for the operation of the weathering thermostat.

P.A.E. Pogge von Strandmann, A. Desrochers, M.J. Murphy, A.J. Finlay, D. Selby, T.M. Lenton

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2017) 3, 230 – 237 | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.1726 | Published 15 June 2017

Article views: 25,144

Abstract:
The differentiation of Earth into a metallic core and silicate mantle left its signature on the chemical and isotopic composition of the bulk silicate Earth (BSE). This is seen in the depletion of siderophile (metal-loving) relative to lithophile (rock-loving) elements in Earth’s mantle as well as the silicon isotope offset between primitive meteorites (i.e. bulk Earth) and BSE, which is generally interpreted as a proof that Si is present in Earth’s core. Another putative light element in Earth’s core is sulphur; however, estimates of core S abundance vary significantly and, due to its volatile nature, no unequivocal S isotopic signature for core fractionation has thus far been detected. Here we present new high precision isotopic data for Cu, a chalcophile (sulphur-loving) element, which shows that Earth’s mantle is isotopically fractionated relative to bulk Earth. Results from high pressure equilibration experiments suggest that the sense of Cu isotopic fractionation between BSE and bulk Earth requires that a sulphide-rich liquid segregated from Earth’s mantle during differentiation, which likely entered the core. Such an early-stage removal of a sulphide-rich phase from the mantle presents a possible solution to the long-standing 1st terrestrial lead paradox.

P.S. Savage, F. Moynier, H. Chen, J. Siebert, J. Badro, I.S. Puchtel, G. Shofner

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2015) 1, 53 – 64 | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.1506 | Published 4 June 2015

Article views: 19,754

Abstract:
The dynamic process of subduction represents the principal means to introduce chemical heterogeneities into Earth's interior. In the case of nitrogen (N) - atmosphere's most abundant gas - biological-activity converts N₂ into ammonium ions (NH₄⁺), which are chemically-bound within seafloor sediments and altered oceanic crust that comprise the subducting slab. Although some subducted N re-emerges via arc-related volcanism (Sano et al., 1998), the majority likely bypasses sub-arc depths (150-200 km) and supplies the deeper mantle (Li et al., 2007; Mitchell et al., 2010; Johnson and Goldblatt, 2015; Bebout et al., 2016). However, the fate of subducted N remains enigmatic: is it incorporated by the shallow convecting mantle - the source of ridge volcanism, or is the deeper mantle - nominally associated with mantle plumes - its ultimate repository? Here, we present N-He-Ne-Ar isotope data for oceanic basalts from the Central Indian Ridge (CIR)-Réunion plume region to address this issue. All on-axis samples with depleted MORB mantle (DMM) affinities (³He/⁴He = 8 ± 1 R_A; Graham, 2002) have low N-isotopes (mean δ¹⁵N = -2.1 ‰), whereas those with plume-like ³He/⁴He display higher values (mean δ¹⁵N = 1.3 ‰). We explain these data within the framework of a new mantle reference model to predict a time-integrated net N regassing flux to the mantle of ~3.4 × 10¹⁰ mol/yr, with the plume-source mantle representing the preferential destination by a factor of 2-3. The model has implications for the present-day imbalance between N subducted at trenches and N emitted via arc-related volcanism, the N-content of Earth's early atmosphere, as well as relationships between N₂ and the noble gases in mantle reservoirs, including ³He/⁴He-δ¹⁵N relationships in plume-derived lavas.

P.H. Barry, D.R. Hilton

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2016) 2, 148 – 159 | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.1615 | Published 3 May 2016

Article views: 18,159

Abstract:
The effusive six months long 2014‒2015 Bárðarbunga eruption (31 August‒27 February) was the largest in Iceland for more than 200 years, producing 1.6 ± 0.3 km³ of lava. The total SO₂ emission was 11.8 ± 5 Mt, more than the amount emitted from Europe in 2011. The ground level concentration of SO₂ exceeded the 350 µg m⁻³ hourly average health limit over much of Iceland for days to weeks. Anomalously high SO₂ concentrations were also measured at several locations in Europe in September. The lowest pH of fresh snowmelt at the eruption site was 3.3, and 3.2 in precipitation 105 km away from the source. Elevated dissolved H₂SO₄, HCl, HF, and metal concentrations were measured in snow and precipitation. Environmental pressures from the eruption and impacts on populated areas were reduced by its remoteness, timing, and the weather. The anticipated primary environmental pressure is on the surface waters, soils, and vegetation of Iceland.

S.R. Gíslason, G. Stefánsdóttir, M.A. Pfeffer, S. Barsotti, Th. Jóhannsson, I. Galeczka, E. Bali, O. Sigmarsson, A. Stefánsson, N.S. Keller, Á. Sigurdsson, B. Bergsson, B. Galle, V.C. Jacobo, S. Arellano, A. Aiuppa, E.B. Jónasdóttir, E.S. Eiríksdóttir, S. Jakobsson, G.H. Guðfinnsson, S.A. Halldórsson, H. Gunnarsson, B. Haddadi, I. Jónsdóttir, Th. Thordarson, M. Riishuus, Th. Högnadóttir, T. Dürig, G.B.M. Pedersen, Á. Höskuldsson, M.T. Gudmundsson

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2015) 1, 84 – 93 | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.1509 | Published 29 June 2015

Article views: 14,962

Abstract:
Methane has been reported repeatedly in the martian atmosphere but its origin remains an obstinate mystery. Possible sources include aqueous alteration of igneous rocks, release from ancient deposits of methane/water ice clathrates, infall from exogenous sources such as background interplanetary dust, or biological activity. All of these sources are problematic, however. We hypothesise that delivery of cometary material includes meteor outbursts, commonly known as “meteor showers”, may explain martian methane plumes. Correlations exist between the appearance of methane and near-approaches between Mars and cometary orbits. Additional correlations are seen between these interactions and the appearance of high-altitude dust clouds on Mars, showing that large amounts of material may be deposited on Mars during these encounters. Methane is released by UV breakdown of delivered cometary material. This hypothesis is testable in future Mars/cometary encounters. A cometary origin for methane would reveal formation of methane through processes that are separate from any geological or biological processes on Mars.

M. Fries, A. Christou, D. Archer, P. Conrad, W. Cooke, J. Eigenbrode, I.L. ten Kate, M. Matney, P. Niles, M. Sykes, A. Steele, A. Treiman

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Geochem. Persp. Let. (2016) 2, 10 – 23 | doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.1602 | Published 2 December 2015

Article views: 13,857