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High-pressure synthesis and storage of solid organic compounds in active subduction zones.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Ménez, Bénédicte  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9866-3114
Bouquerel, Hélène 

Abstract

Recent thermodynamic and experimental studies have suggested that volatile organic compounds (e.g., methane, formate, and acetate) can be produced and stabilized in subduction zones, potentially playing an important role in the deep carbon cycle. However, field evidence for the high-pressure production and storage of solid organic compounds is missing. Here, we examine forearc serpentinite clasts recovered by drilling mud volcanoes above the Mariana subduction zone. Notable correlations between carbon and iron stable-isotope signatures and fluid-mobile element (B, As and Sb) concentrations provide evidence for the percolation of slab-derived CO2-rich aqueous fluids through the forearc mantle. The presence of carbonaceous matter rich in aliphatic moieties within high-temperature clasts (>350°C) demonstrates that molecular hydrogen production associated with forearc serpentinization is an efficient mechanism for the reduction and conversion of slab-derived CO2-rich fluids into solid organic compounds. These findings emphasize the need to consider the forearc mantle as an important reservoir of organic carbon on Earth.

Description

Keywords

37 Earth Sciences, 3703 Geochemistry, 3705 Geology, 3706 Geophysics, 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Journal Title

Sci Adv

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2375-2548
2375-2548

Volume Title

8

Publisher

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Sponsorship
Natural Environment Research Council (NE/P020860/1)