Overview

The geochemical cycles of major and trace elements are fundamental to the regulation of earths climate over geological timescales. Several research groups within the Geosciences Research Division focus on aspects of elemental cycling, spanning a range of subjects from the composition of past atmospheres to modern-day controls on carbon export in the oceanic water column. These studies encompass a variety of different research activities, including sample collections or process studies in remote field locations, continuous monitoring studies, laboratory-based sample preparation and analysis, experiments with model systems, and computer modelling. See links below for specific information on individual research labs.

People: Severinghaus, R. Keeling, D. Keeling, Charles, Barbeau, Lueker, Kastner, Lal, Hilton

• Paleoatmospheric composition recorded in polar ice cores, corals, sediments and Archean rocks (Severinghaus, Charles, Lal)


• Chemical exchange between the ocean and atmosphere (C.D. Keeling, R. Keeling)


• Sedimentary geochemistry and diagenesis (Kastner)


• Geochemistries of volcanic and geothermal phenomena (Barbeau)


• Geochemical cycling of organic compounds (Aluwihare)