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Possible limits on the composition of the Archaean OceanThe potential impact of high carbon dioxide partial pressure on ocean chemistry is examined in order to investigate what constraints are imposed by the known record of chemical sedimentation through time. The evidence consists of the persistence of calcium carbonate and sulfate precipitation throughout almost the entire sedimentary rock record. A uniformitarian point of view that assumes no very great change in the conditions for the deposition of these chemical sediments. The methods of Holland (1972) are used to set limits on the composition of the water from which precipitation occurred. No inconsistencies between the sedimentary rock record and presumed higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide early in earth history, provided that high partial pressure was accompanied by a generally lower pH for seawater, higher concentrations of calcium and biocarbonate ions, and lower concentrations of carbonate and sulfate ions.
Document ID
19830049003
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Walker, J. C. G.
(Michigan, University Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
April 7, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: Nature
Volume: 302
ISSN: 0028-0836
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
83A30221
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-176
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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