Changing sources of nutrients during four million years of ecosystem development
Article Abstract:
Atmospherically derived elements are traditionally distinguished from rock-derived elements by terrestrial biogeochemists. Carbon and nitrogen are atmospherically derived elements and have an important gas phase. Calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus are rock-derived elements and enter terrestrial ecosystems via dissolution of minerals. Sources of biologically significant elements and their implications for the function of ecosystems in the Hawaiian islands, have been evaluated. Much of the calcium, magnesium and silicon from primary minerals was rapidly lost, although phosphorus and aluminium were retained. Calcium was not found to limit ecosystem productivity.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Ratios of ferrous to ferric iron from nanometre-sized areas in minerals
Article Abstract:
Fe(super3+)/SigmaFe was determined in minerals at the nanometre scale using electron energy-loss spectroscopy with a transmission electron microscope. The method can determine Fe(super3+)/SigmaFe ratios of iron and enables information to be obtained from ultra-fine grains, and at mineral reaction fronts. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy with a TEM combines high-spatial and high-energy resolution, removing spatial restrictions imposed by many microbeam analytical methods.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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Submarine columns of ikaite tufa
Article Abstract:
Submarine tufa columns which have formed over alkaline springs through the abiotic precipitation of the metastable cold-water minerak ikaite, have been studied in the Ikka Fjord in Greenland. The columns support marine life and have growth of over 50 cm a year. The locality is nominated for classification as a geological World Heritage Site.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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