Scientists explain link between smectite and global cooling

Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have managed to establish a connection between ice ages, tectonic shifts and the release of the mineral smectite, a clay substance that can capture and “lock” organic carbon within itself.

Research takes place in several stages:

• During past experiments, the team of scientists found that ice ages were likely associated with tectonic shifts in tropical latitudes. At the same time, pieces of the earth’s crust were exposed as a result of landslides, and ophiolites, the name of the rocks that were once at the bottom of the sea, began to disappear under the influence of wind, rain and wind. other factors. geologists suggested that some material rising to the surface may have contributed to the onset of ice ages.
• The next step was to test whether new layers could form as the old seabed erodes and influence the climate so strongly. Scientists modeled the geological process and the impact of tropical environments on rocks released after tectonic landslides and the ability of these substances to influence the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from organic carbon, such as dead particles. disintegration of organisms.

And such a substance was found – the same stainer. Under the microscope, its surface resembles thick flower petals, and it is they who become an effective trap for organic carbon. So was there really enough smectite to cool the Earth? If the clay layer was covered and eroded by other rocks in the past, how can we verify this?

Many minerals have typical “neighbors” that occur with them in nature for various reasons. For smectite these are nickel and chromium. A database combining information on ocean sedimentary rock samples from the past 500 million years shows large releases of nickel and chromium. Therefore, it is quite logical to assume that smectite accompanies them.

This clay likely also contributed to the cooling of the Earth over the last 3-5 million years before humans intervened. In the absence of humans, this clay probably affects the climate, but this is a slow process.
– points out Joshua Murray, one of the authors of the work.

The results of the research could help reduce carbon emissions in the future. For example, scientists propose creating smear coatings on permafrost areas that melt very quickly and release long-preserved carbon into the atmosphere. This will help reduce leakage and therefore further warming of the atmosphere.