2018 Ocean Sciences Meeting

February 11-16

There has been significant advancement in our understanding of the marine silicon (Si) cycle. Many studies have highlighted whether the Si cycle can be considered in steady state, and the potential mechanisms for the “missing silica sink” such as the burial of silica by siliceous sponges and the contribution of reverse weathering in high sedimentation rate continental margins. Rates of Si inputs to the ocean have been revisited through the delivery of reactive amorphous silica or of silicic acid by rivers, subglacial lakes, submarine groundwater discharge, hydrothermal activities, and low temperature basalt dissolution on continental margins and in the deep sea. In parallel, the important roles non-diatom groups (e.g., sponges, Rhizarians, picocyanobacteria) play in biogenic silica production, dissolution, export, and burial have been revisited. However, the rates associated with these recently-studied processes are poorly constrained. This session will address these and other key issues related to the biogeochemical cycling of Si and to the budget of Si at world ocean or regional scales (e.g. high latitudes, coastal systems). Submissions highlighting new insights into the marine Si cycle and/or methodological advancements which will enable new exploration are welcome.

• HE - High Latitude Environments
• PC - Past, Present and Future Climate
• RS - Regional Studies