Biogeodynamics: Coupled evolution of the biosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere

Abstract

There is broad consensus that tectonic and magmatic processes play a role in the evolution of life and the composition of the atmosphere. Tectonic and magmatic processes provide a suite of bio-essential nutrients that are carried into the hydrosphere through sedimentary processes. Tectonic processes facilitate the subsequent recycling and concentration of these nutrients for continued biospheric utilization. The burgeoning field of “biogeodynamics” aims to test hypotheses about such connections (Fig. 1).