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Science, geology, geochemistry, geophysics, microbiology, plate tectonics, Tectonic Fractures, microfractures, mountain building, climate, earth system, earth surface, plants, soil, rock, water, groundwater, rock fractures, erosion, weathering, Critical Zone, CO2, Organic Carbon, Deep Biosphere, Microbes, Bacteria, Iron Oxidation, Mineral, Nutrient, Andes, Pacific, GFZ Potsdam, Advection, Diffusion
Abstract:
Weathering needs fractures in the rock. When two tectonic plates collide, the plates slide against each other. During earthquakes fractures in the rock are created. The microscope reveals tiny cracks running through the rock. These micro-fractures are caused by the movement of the rocks against each other, but also when erosion at the Earth's surface removes the burden of the overlying rock. Fractures are necessary to bring water, reagents, and microbes to depth to weather rocks.
