Tracing chemical disequilibrium from mantle to surface - Starts at 1:00 pm

Mantle-derived melts ascending towards the Earth surface undergo extensive chemical re-equilibration with the lithosphere. Minimization of the chemical potential is key in driving numerous igneous processes within the Earth mantle and crust. Carbon is one of the most versatile elements participating in chemical and physical exchange dynamics between the Earth´s core, mantle, crust and atmosphere. Over 500 occurrences of carbonate-rich igneous rocks (CARBONatites) and large quantities of CO2 being emitted along active volcanic systems to the atmosphere, directly evidence the importance of carbon in large-scale igneous processes in the deep Earth. The role of carbon in magma formation, -evolution and -re-equilibration within the upper mantle and crust is discussed through high-pressure experimental- and field-based geochemical observations from oceanic hotspots and rift settings.