Abstract
The systematic use of coupled isotopic tracers has improved our understanding of many problems such as the geochemical structure and evolution of the mantle. However, some fundamental questions remain1–6; for example, does sediment injection occur in the mantle4,5,7, modifying composition and combining the internal and external geochemical cycles? Recently 3He data from the South Atlantic have been used to suggest that the sediment injection phenomenon may be important on a local scale8. Here, using carbon data only, we show that sediment injection in the mantle must occur. This conclusion was reached after comparison between the integrated flux coming from the mantle and the budget of the exogeneous reservoir of carbon.
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Javoy, M., Pineau, F. & Allègre, C. Carbon geodynamic cycle. Nature 300, 171–173 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/300171a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/300171a0
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