Recycling of Graphite During Himalayan Erosion: A Geological Stabilization of Carbon in the Crust

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1161408
• Publication Date: 2008-11-06T22:58:55Z
• Authors: Valier Galy; Olivier Beyssac; Christian France-...; Timothy Eglinton
• Keywords: Carbon fibers

At geological time scales, the role of continental erosion in organic carbon (OC) cycle is determined by balance between recent OC burial and petrogenic oxidation. Evaluating its net effect on concentration dioxide dioxygen atmosphere requires fate to be assessed. Here, we report a multiscale (nanometer micrometer) structural characterization Himalayan system. We show that graphitic preserved buried marine sediments, while less graphitized forms are oxidized during fluvial transport. Radiocarbon dating indicates 30 50% initially present rocks conserved cycle. Graphitization metamorphism thus stabilizes crust over scales.