Global redox cycle of biospheric carbon: Interaction of photosynthesis and earth crust processes. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ivlev, Alexander A.
• Is Part Of: Bio systems. Volume 137(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 11
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Global carbon cycle -- Plate tectonics -- Orogenic and geosynclynal periods of orogenic cycle -- Sedimentary carbonates -- Burial organic carbon -- "Greenhouse" and "icehouse" periods -- Biodiversity.; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; Biologie -- Périodiques; Évolution -- Périodiques; 570
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2015.10.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-2647

Abstract

Highlights: The paper presents an unconventional definition of the carbon cycle, referring mainly to changes in redox state of carbon. A new concept of global redox cycle of biospheric carbon takes into account the interaction between photosynthesis and lithospheric plates' movement. The concept explains climatic changes, biodiversity, irregular distribution of organic matter in sedimentary deposits, etc. The concept claims the coupling of redox cycle of biospheric carbon with redox cycles of sulfur and nitrogen. Abstract: A model of the natural global redox cycle of biospheric carbon is introduced. According to this model, carbon transfer between biosphere and geospheres is accompanied by a conversion of the oxidative forms, presented by CO2, bicarbonate and carbonate ions, into the reduced forms, produced in photosynthesis. The mechanism of carbon transfer is associated with two phases of movement of lithospheric plates. In the short-term orogenic phase, CO2 from the subduction (plates' collisions) zones fills the "atmosphere–hydrosphere" system, resulting in climate warming. In the long-term quiet (geosynclynal) phase, weathering and photosynthesis become dominant depleting the oxidative forms of carbon. The above asymmetric periodicity exerts an impact on climate, biodiversity, distribution of organic matter in sedimentary deposits, etc. Along with photosynthesis expansion, the redox carbon cycle undergoes its development until it reaches the ecological compensation point, at which CO2 is depleted to the level critical to support the growth and reproduction of plants. This occurred in the Permo-Carboniferous time and in the Neogene. Shorter-term perturbations of the global carbon cycle in the form of glacial–interglacial oscillations appear near the ecological compensation point.