From microscopic minerals to global climate change?

Brown, D.J. and Lee, M.R. (2007) From microscopic minerals to global climate change? Geology Today, 23(5), pp. 172-177. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2451.2007.00629.x)

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Abstract

The study of minerals is often focused on their crystallographic properties, chemistry and economic importance, and so their breakdown, or ‘weathering’, by physical, chemical and biological processes is less well understood. However, mineral weathering is of considerable environmental significance. The interaction of minerals with water and microbes, such as algae and bacteria, controls soil fertility, the transportation of pollutants through the ground, and ultimately the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere over geological timescales. Therefore, minerals are a key factor in moderating global climate change. This article introduces conventional and new techniques that are being used by geologists to investigate these processes.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Brown, Dr David and Lee, Professor Martin
Authors: Brown, D.J., and Lee, M.R.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences > Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Geology Today
Publisher:Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:0266-6979
ISSN (Online):1365-2451
Published Online:10 October 2007

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
364561How do silicate minerals weather in nature?Martin LeeNatural Environment Research Council (NERC)NER/A/S/2003/00346SCHOOL OF GEOGRAPHICAL & EARTH SCIENCES