Carbon plays a fundamental role on Earth. It forms the chemical backbone for all essential organic molecules produced by living organisms. Carbon-based fuels supply most of society's energy, and atmospheric carbon dioxide has a huge impact on Earth's climate. This book provides a complete history of the emergence and development of the new interdisciplinary field of deep carbon science. It traces four centuries of history during which the inner workings of the dynamic Earth were discovered, and documents extraordinary scientific revolutions that changed our understanding of carbon on Earth forever: carbon's origin in exploding stars; the discovery of the internal heat source driving the Earth's carbon cycle; and the tectonic revolution. Written with an engaging narrative style and covering the scientific endeavours of more than a hundred pioneers of deep geoscience, this is a fascinating book for students and researchers working in Earth system science and deep carbon research.
Carbon plays a fundamental role on Earth. It forms the chemical backbone for all essential organic molecules produced by living organisms. Carbon-based fuels supply most of society's energy, and atmospheric carbon dioxide has a huge impact on Earth's climate. This book provides a complete history of the emergence and development of the new interdisciplinary field of deep carbon science. It traces four centuries of history during which the inner workings of the dynamic Earth were discovered, and documents extraordinary scientific revolutions that changed our understanding of carbon on Earth forever: carbon's origin in exploding stars; the discovery of the internal heat source driving the Earth's carbon cycle; and the tectonic revolution. Written with an engaging narrative style and covering the scientific endeavours of more than a hundred pioneers of deep geoscience, this is a fascinating book for students and researchers working in Earth system science and deep carbon research.
1. Why Carbon in Earth Matters; 2. The Origin of Deep Carbon in Deep Space; 3. Deliveries of Cosmic Carbon Continue; 4. On the Nature of Earth's Interior; 5. Earth's Interior Revealed; 6. Thousands, Millions or Billions, the Question of Timing; 7. Physics and Chemistry of Deep Earth; 8. Confronting the Continental Drift Conundrum; 9. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Rift Valley; 10. Earth's Deep Dynamics Discovered; 11. Reversals of Fortune; 12. Deep Carbon's Cycles, Reservoirs and Fluxes; 13. Carbon Bearing Phases in the Mantle; 14. Diamond in the Mantle; 15. Deep Life; Glossary; Biographical notes; References; Index.
A fascinating historical account of the emergence and development of the new interdisciplinary field of deep carbon science.
Simon Mitton is a Life Fellow at St Edmund's College, University of Cambridge. For more than fifty years he has passionately engaged in bringing discoveries in astronomy and cosmology to the general public. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a former Vice-President of the Royal Astronomical Society, and a Fellow of the Geological Society. The International Astronomical Union designated asteroid 4027 as Minor Planet Mitton in recognition of his extensive outreach activity and that of Dr Jacqueline Mitton.
'A beautifully accessible history of geology told through the
unique lens of how the element carbon cycles between different
parts of the Earth. The reader will be drawn into the stories
behind some of the key discoveries and developments in the field. A
must read for anyone interested in how scientific revolutions are
made. Cin-Ty Lee, Rice University
'A very interesting narrative that weaves the historical
development of ideas and controversies in Geoscience into the theme
of the significance of the Deep Earth Carbon cycle. Mitton has
researched both the well-known and the less well-known
personalities and anecdotes that bring the human element into the
quest to discover how the Earth works.' Andrew Putnis, University
of Münster
'Simon Mitton's book takes us through centuries of frontline
research on the origin and evolution of carbon in the universe and
our planet… rarely have the challenges and innovations of
geological research been exposed in such a broad context and in
connection with other branches of science. Most appealing is the
realization that a common thread links almost all scientific
disciplines, which are complementary and constantly feed one
another, sometimes in unexpected ways. Simon Mitton puts us in the
driver's seat with his lively sketches of scientists at work. We
take comfort in the outstanding advances that have been made and at
the same time realize how far we still need to go. I was sorry when
I reached the end of his book because I wanted the story to
continue for much longer.' Claude Jaupart, Université de Paris,
Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris
'Simon Mitton's book 'From Crust to Core, A Chronicle of Deep
Carbon Science' takes the reader on a wonderful trip through the
time, documenting the challenges and advances made
by different generations of scientists to develop an understanding
of Earth's processes. This comprehensive work extends until
the construction of the revolutionary paradigm known as Earth
System science, on which Deep Carbon Science is
unfolding today.' Antonio Costa, Istituto Nazionale di
Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Bologna, Italy
'… I recommend this book as delivering an enriching contextual
narrative of the development of the subject that is well suited to
basic background reading for all aspiring Earth scientists.'
Gillian R. Foulger, The Observatory
'… a great read for anyone from science and natural history
enthusiasts to students or researchers of Earth and planetary
sciences.' Rajdeep Dasgupta, American Mineralogist
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