Solar radiation can influence processes deep inside the Earth, scientists from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China University of Geological Sciences and the University of Bucharest have established, Xinhua reported on July 21.
The researchers explained that solar radiation varies with latitude, creating temperature gradients on the sea surface that influence the distribution of marine life. In turn, the remains of living organisms fall into the bowels of the Earth. These carbon-rich organisms are transported into the Earth’s interior by the movement of oceanic plates. This process significantly affects redox processes within the magma.
The researchers analyzed data from thousands of magma samples, including those taken from deep within the earth and the sea and collected by geologists around the world. They examined tiny melt inclusions in minerals to better understand the redox processes occurring within magma.
The study found that magma in low latitude regions is less oxidized than in high latitude regions. Scientists have found that carbon reacts with sulfur to form sulfide, which is then transported to the mantle.
Many metallic minerals such as copper, tin and lithium are sensitive to redox conditions. Understanding how redox processes occur within magma is important for predicting mineral location and availability.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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