The paleoenvironmental evolution of Earth and Mars (2016-2020)
Abstract
Water-rock interactions shape the Earths landscape, determine the composition of surface and groundwater, produce the soils that sustain life, and buffer the composition of the atmosphere. We propose to develop and apply high-resolution isotopic and geochemical techniques to measure the timing and intensity of water-rock interactions at the Earth¿¿¿s surface throughout the geological past. Ultimately, we aim to generate a time-calibrated and continuous continental paleoenvironmental record for key sites in the southern hemisphere, spanning from the Mesozoic to the Present. Results from this study will permit quantifying water-rock interactions on Earth, but they will also suit for investigating the hydrological cycle on Mars .
