
Birth and Growth of Minerals from Aqueous Solutions, February 2025, Vol. 21, No. 1
April 17, 2025Biomineral Geochemistry: Windows into Past Climates and Calcification, April 2025, Vol. 21, No. 2
$20.00
Marine calcium carbonate biominerals, especially the shells and skeletons produced by molluscs, corals, and the immeasurably numerous calcifying phytoplankton and zooplankton, are of both societal and environmental importance for two key reasons. Firstly, the mineralised remains of these organisms are one of the largest longterm sinks of carbon on Earth’s surface. Secondly, and perhaps more practically, the (trace) element and isotopic composition of these biominerals probably represents the most widely applied tool for quantitatively reconstructing past environmental conditions on timescales from days to millions of years.
Biomineral Geochemistry: Windows into Past Climates and Calcification
April 2025, Vol. 21, No. 2
Marine calcium carbonate biominerals, especially the shells and skeletons produced by molluscs, corals, and the immeasurably numerous calcifying phytoplankton and zooplankton, are of both societal and environmental importance for two key reasons. Firstly, the mineralised remains of these organisms are one of the largest longterm sinks of carbon on Earth’s surface. Secondly, and perhaps more practically, the (trace) element and isotopic composition of these biominerals probably represents the most widely applied tool for quantitatively reconstructing past environmental conditions on timescales from days to millions of years. It has been known for some time that the processes of biomineralisation imprint on these ‘proxy’ systems, shifting their behaviour away from thermodynamic equilibrium, such that they typically require empirical calibration to an environmental variable of interest.
Why You’ll Love Elements Magazine:
- Expert Contributors: Articles written by renowned researchers in the field of geoscience.
- Engaging Content: Join a community of readers who are passionate about Elements.
- Exceptional Quality: Each issue is printed on high-quality paper with stunning visuals and detailed illustrations that bring complex scientific concepts to life.
Order your copy of the April 2025 issue of Elements magazine today and explore Biomineral Geochemistry: Windows into Past Climates and Calcification.
Related products
-
Glasses And Melts: Linking Geochemistry And Materials Science, October 2006, Vol. 2, No. 5
$20.00Geological interest in studying melts stems from early recognition that melts play a fundamental role in determining the physical and chemical behaviour of magmas and magmatic processes. However, due to the inherent difficulties associated with working at high temperatures, much of the geological research over the last 30 years has used quenched melts or glasses as proxies for melts themselves.
-
Deep Earth And Mineral Physics, June 2008, Vol. 4, No. 3
$20.00The field of high-pressure mineral physics is central to our understanding of the Earth’s interior and its evolution. It is also a field that is rapidly advancing.
-
Phosphates And Global Sustainability, April 2008, Vol. 4, No. 2
$20.00Phosphorus is a unique element: it is essential to the existence of all living forms, and as such controls biological productivity in many terrestrial and marine environments; but when in excess, it leads to uncontrollable biological growth and water-quality problems. This has become a common environmental issue, resulting from our careless use of phosphorus in agriculture, yet phosphate ore deposits, from which fertilizers are produced, are a finite natural resource.