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The role of metamorphic decarbonation reactions in returning strontium to the silicate sediment mass

Abstract

The strontium-isotope evolution of the Earth's silicate sediments indicates that they must interact with a strontium reservoir whose 87Sr/86Sr ratio is relatively low. The Sr-isotope budget for these sediments can be balanced if the Sr lost to solution by weathering is replaced by Sr from the oceans (through diagenesis) and from carbonate sediments (through metamorphic decarbonation reactions). Because of the latter connection, the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of silicate sediments can constrain the contribution of metamorphism to the Earth–atmosphere C02 flux.

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Bickle, M. The role of metamorphic decarbonation reactions in returning strontium to the silicate sediment mass. Nature 367, 699–704 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1038/367699a0

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