The chemical composition and formation of rocks and minerals, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes, isotope geochemistry, and the cycling of elements through Earth systems
5 papersThe Perseverance rover found organic molecules and intriguing mineral formations in Jezero Crater, suggesting possible past redox reactions involving organic matter. More research is needed to confirm if these reactions were biological or abiotic, and samples will be returned to Earth for detailed analysis.
This research demonstrates that iron's role in soil carbon cycling is not simply protective. While iron can initially shield plant-derived carbon by forming mineral complexes, this protection is reversible and can be outweighed by iron-driven decomposition processes, especially in oxygen-fluctuating environments. This nuanced understanding of iron-carbon interplay is critical for accurate predictions of soil carbon storage and its response to changing climate conditions.
This study characterized diatomaceous earth (DE) from the Mariovo region in North Macedonia, finding it to be primarily amorphous opal with minor crystalline phases. Upon heating, the opal transforms into cristobalite, with potential for forming mullite at higher temperatures, highlighting DE's potential for various ceramic and other industrial applications.
The study found that warming temperatures increase evapotranspiration, leading to groundwater storage losses across the US, with the eastern US being more sensitive due to shallower groundwater and higher initial water availability. This highlights the importance of groundwater in mediating hydrologic responses to climate change and the need to incorporate subsurface storage dynamics in future projections.
Slow pyrolysis of Sargassum sp. produced bio-oil rich in carboxylic acids, furans, and hydrocarbons, alongside biochar with a high carbon content suitable for fuel. The pyrolysis reaction followed Arrhenius behavior, and the biochar showed a porous structure with a higher surface area than the original seaweed.