Foundations

Carbon moves through biological, oceanic, atmospheric and geological reservoirs.

An isotope delta compares a specified sample isotope ratio with the same ratio in a stated reference.

Silicate structures organize silicon–oxygen tetrahedra as isolated units, chains, sheets or frameworks.

Metamorphism changes mineral assemblage and texture under changed pressure, temperature, fluid and deformation conditions without requiring bulk melting.

Mechanical weathering changes fragment size; chemical weathering transforms or dissolves minerals through reactions such as hydrolysis and oxidation.

A distribution coefficient relates one species' concentrations in two specified coexisting phases.

In homogeneous constant-D batch melting, mass balance and equilibrium give melt enrichment Cℓ/C₀=1/[D+F(1−D)].

Groundwater exchanges dissolved species with aquifer minerals and surfaces.

Dissolved inorganic carbon includes aqueous CO₂/carbonic-acid convention, bicarbonate and carbonate.