Diving into the geochemical (re)cycling processes in deep subduction zones.
Schematic diagram of a subduction zone indicating the main domains of serpentinite formation and evolution: A) abyssal serpentinites, B) lizardite-serpentinites, C) antigorite-serpentinites, D) chlorite-harzburgites, E) garnet peridotites, and F) mantle wedge serpentinites. Fluid release symbols are scaled according to estimated percentage expelled by major phase transitions in the subducting slab: brucite-out (10% at ~80 km), antigorite-out (80% at ~150 km), and chlorite-out (10% at ~200 km). Fluid flux estimates are based on models by Evans et al. (2021). Abbreviations: Lz=lizardite, Atg=antigorite.
At subduction zones, a tectonic plate descends under another and results in various physical and chemical transformations. The movement of life-critical elements initiated by these processes plays a central role in regulating planetary life, supporting habitability, initiating volcanism, and influencing geodynamic activity on Earth.
To accompany this research study, I created these graphics and diagrams for my Master's thesis on the elemental and halogen mobility associated with high-pressure and high-temperature serpentinite dehydration.
Geological map of Cerro del Almirez massif in SE Spain indicating the main ultramafic and metasedimentary lithologies. Contacts and lithologies are based on the National Geological Map (MAGNA) dataset from the Spanish Geological Survey.
3D representation highlighting the antigorite-serpentinite and chlorite-harzburgite bodies on the map above, rendered using Blender 3D.
Turntable animation of the Cerro del Almirez massif, annotated with location of samples used in the study.
Typical cross-section of a mid-ocean spreading ridge, where mantle rocks are initially serpentinised (i.e. hydrated) by seawater.
Element capture, transport, and release at subduction zones is a complex and dynamic process.
The metamorphic transitions experienced by serpentinised rocks during its journey from the ocean floor to subduction environments, is a significant factor in the larger geochemical “diet” of subduction zones that essentially governs the crossroads between life on surface and the deep Earth.