Petrogenic organic carbon weathering and its controlling factors—a review

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2023.3.7

Abstract

Abstract:

Petrogenic-derived organic carbon is an important carbon storage on Earth. Oxidation of petrogenic organic carbon releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere—a key process in the geological carbon cycle. This process is of great significance for maintaining long-scale carbon balance on Earth and long-term habitability of the Earth’s surface environment. In recent years, research advancement has been made on petrogenic organic carbon weathering. This paper systematically reviews the current research status at home and abroad, focusing on carbon structural properties, quantitative methods for weathering rate, weathering controlling factors, and weathering flux statistics, in order to improve systematic understanding of petrogenic organic carbon and promote in-depth research on related key scientific issues.

Key words: petrogenic organic carbon, geological carbon cycle, continental weathering, rhenium geochemistry

CLC Number:

WANG Ye, CHEN Yang, CHEN Jun. Petrogenic organic carbon weathering and its controlling factors—a review[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2024, 31(2): 402-409.

Figures/Tables 5

Fig.1 RM and TEM characterization of OCpetro in riverine and marine sediments. Modified after [11]. (A) Image of 002 lattice-fringes (002LF) of disordered and microporous OCpetro in Narayani bed load. (B) Image (002LF) of graphitic C in Narayani bed load. (C) Low-magnification (LM) image of a graphite particle in Narayani suspended load. (D) Image (002LF) of graphitic OCpetro in Lower Meghna bed load. (E) Image (002LF) of graphitic OCpetro in distal Bengal Fan sediment. (F) LM image of graphite particles in distal Bengal Fan sediment. In (A), (C), (D), and (E), the orange inset is a zoom (5-nm side) located on the main image. (G) Selection of representative Raman spectra from Himalayan rivers (up), Lower Meghna (medium), and Bengal Fan sediments (below). These spectra were obtained from both individual OCpetro particles (no mineral contribution in the spectrum) and OCpetro inclusions/aggregates within minerals (mineral contribution in the spectrum as depicted).

Fig.2 (Fm×%OC) of river sediments as a function of their total OC content. Modified after [12].

Fig.3 Re- SO 4 2 - scatter plot. Modified after [11].

Fig.4 Dissolved rhenium yield in mountain watersheds around the world draining sedimentary rocks as a function of suspended sediment yield. Modified after [16].

Table 1 The organic carbon oxidation rate of some typical river basins in the world

流域	流域面积/km²	岩石有机碳氧化通量/(Mt·a^-1)	岩石有机碳氧化速率/(t·km^-2·a^-1)
Yamuna^[13]	9 600	0.038 6	~4
Taiwan(overall)^[7]	35 980	0.27~0.47	7.4~13
Madeira^[6]		~0.25
Waiho^[11]	67	0.001 273~0.003 35	19~50
Whataroa^[11]	454	0.004 086~0.010 442	9~23
Mackenzie^[14]	1 780 000	0.605~1.121	0.34~0.63
Narayani^[42]	32 000	0.035~0.125	1.1~3.9

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