The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Basin-scale distributions of major elements in the Mediterranean Sea: Implications for authigenic carbonate and clay mineral formation
ID:1443 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 16:00 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 31 - Coupled cycling of key elements/isotopes and carbon sequestration in the deep ocean

Abstract
Authigenic carbonate and clay formation in marine sediments are important but poorly constrained processes that link major element cycling to the ocean alkalinity budget. Here, we investigated the distributions of dissolved potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and strontium (Sr) in the Mediterranean water column, together with pore fluids, solid sediments, and brine pools from the eastern basin. Compared with Atlantic end-member waters, Mediterranean surface waters displayed elevated potential alkalinity and salinity-normalized Ca concentrations, consistent with the combined effects of riverine inputs and CaCO3 dissolution. Strontium concentrations were significantly higher in the western basin than in the eastern basin, possibly due to sedimentary removal in the eastern basin. Porewater profiles further demonstrated that sediments act as sinks for Ca and Sr, with a Ca:Sr removal ratio of 1:0.011, indicating authigenic CaCO3 precipitation in surface sediments, predominantly as aragonite, likely favored by elevated temperatures and high CaCO3 saturation states. Meanwhile, sedimentary uptake of Mg and K points to the formation of authigenic clay minerals. Together, these observations indicate that authigenic carbonate and clay formation in sediments constitute important sinks for major elements. Tentative budgets of major elements and alkalinity are nearly balanced at the basin scale, underscoring the Mediterranean Sea as a semi-enclosed basin that offers a unique perspective on regional major element cycling.
Speaker
Yuye Han Xiamen University / Geomar Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research

Author
Yuye Han Xiamen University / Geomar Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027