Demystifying Diagenesis, its Complexity and Role in the Earth System.
Abstract: Diagenesis is critical to geoscientists' efforts to reconstruct the past and understand the functioning of the Earth system over time. Processes that occur in the diagenetic realm — such as mineral recrystallization and authigenesis — can alter the elemental and isotopic composition of proxy archives (e.g., CaCO_3), complicating our reading of the past. At the same time, diagenesis also has an important role in the global geochemical cycles of a range of elements and can leave behind interpretable geochemical signals that can help us understand the functioning of the Earth system in the past.
In this seminar, I will highlight key points and case studies from the recently published Treatise on Geochemistry chapter entitled “Demystifying diagenesis: The future of diagenetic inquiry in the geosciences” by M. S. Fantle and M. K. Lloyd. The chapter focuses on the aspects of future inquiry that can help us progress in our discussion of diagenesis, including the adoption of a clear language and the use of quantitative techniques. I will also review modeling tools released alongside the Treatise chapter that can help interested researchers overcome the initial barrier.
