The Influence of Biomineralisation on the Composition of Seawater

摘要: Elements whose concentration profiles in the deep ocean are characterised by surface depletion and water enrichment incorporated to a significant extent biologically produced particles. A large proportion of this particulate material results from biomineralisation reactions layers ocean. Five predominant mineral phases have been identified (calcite, aragonite, celestite, barite opaline silica). These minerals progressively dissolved settling matter consequently influence vertical distribution not only their major constituent elements (Ca, Ba, Sr, C, Si) but also range trace (Ge, Se, Zn, Sc, Cr, Be, Cu, Ni). The which process contributes final removal these is uncertain although fragments might provide sites for precipitation insoluble hydrous metal oxides known scavenge wide sea water.