From Crust to Core
A Chronicle of Deep Carbon Science

A fascinating historical account of the emergence and development of the new interdisciplinary field of deep carbon science.

Simon Mitton (Author)

9781108426695, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 December 2020

382 pages, 70 b/w illus.
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.1 cm, 0.73 kg

'… I recommend this book as delivering an enriching contextual narrative of the development of the subject that is well suited to basic background reading for all aspiring Earth scientists.' Gillian R. Foulger, The Observatory

Carbon plays a fundamental role on Earth. It forms the chemical backbone for all essential organic molecules produced by living organisms. Carbon-based fuels supply most of society's energy, and atmospheric carbon dioxide has a huge impact on Earth's climate. This book provides a complete history of the emergence and development of the new interdisciplinary field of deep carbon science. It traces four centuries of history during which the inner workings of the dynamic Earth were discovered, and documents extraordinary scientific revolutions that changed our understanding of carbon on Earth forever: carbon's origin in exploding stars; the discovery of the internal heat source driving the Earth's carbon cycle; and the tectonic revolution. Written with an engaging narrative style and covering the scientific endeavours of more than a hundred pioneers of deep geoscience, this is a fascinating book for students and researchers working in Earth system science and deep carbon research.

1. Why Carbon in Earth Matters
2. The Origin of Deep Carbon in Deep Space
3. Deliveries of Cosmic Carbon Continue
4. On the Nature of Earth's Interior
5. Earth's Interior Revealed
6. Thousands, Millions or Billions, the Question of Timing
7. Physics and Chemistry of Deep Earth
8. Confronting the Continental Drift Conundrum
9. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Rift Valley
10. Earth's Deep Dynamics Discovered
11. Reversals of Fortune
12. Deep Carbon's Cycles, Reservoirs and Fluxes
13. Carbon Bearing Phases in the Mantle
14. Diamond in the Mantle
15. Deep Life
Glossary
Biographical notes
References
Index.

Subject Areas: The Earth: natural history general [WNW], Rocks, minerals & fossils [WNR], Geochemistry [RBGK], Earth sciences [RB], Solar system: the Sun & planets [PGS], Galaxies & stars [PGM], History of science [PDX]