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.
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Important Dates
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Jan 30
2026
Session / Event proposals open
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Mar 31
2026
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(Extended to April 7) -
Apr 30
2026
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Apr 30
2026
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Jun 30
2026
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(Extended to July 21) -
Aug 31
2026
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Sep 15
2026
Scientific program released
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Oct 15
2026
Early bird registration closes
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Jan 12–15
2027
XMAS 2027
