The Chromium Isotope System as a Tracer of Ocean and Atmosphere Redox (Elements in Geochemical Tracers in Earth System Science)

Bauer, Kohen W.

ISBN 10: 110879257X / ISBN 13: 9781108792578

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2021

About this Item

Seller Inventory # V9781108792578

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Chromium Isotope System as a Tracer of Ocean and Atmosphere Redox (Elements in Geochemical Tracers in Earth System Science)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 110879257X
• ISBN 13: 9781108792578
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The stable chromium (Cr) isotope system has emerged over the past decade as a new tool to track changes in the amount of oxygen in earth's ocean-atmosphere system. Much of the initial foundation for using Cr isotopes (δ53Cr) as a paleoredox proxy has required recent revision. However, the basic idea behind using Cr isotopes as redox tracers is straightforward―the largest isotope fractionations are redox-dependent and occur during partial reduction of Cr(VI). As such, Cr isotopic signatures can provide novel insights into Cr redox cycling in both marine and terrestrial settings. Critically, the Cr isotope system―unlike many other trace metal proxies―can respond to short-term redox perturbations (e.g., on timescales characteristic of Pleistocene glacial-interglacial cycles). The Cr isotope system can also be used to probe the earth's long-term atmospheric oxygenation, pointing towards low but likely dynamic oxygen levels for the majority of Earth's history.