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Related topics Biogeochemistry geochemical cycle chemical cycling environmental chemistry Biosequestration Deep biosphere Ocean acidification acid rain Biogeochemical planetary boundaries
Research groups DAAC GEOTRACES IMBER NOBM SOLAS
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Thelithium cycle (Li) is the biogeochemical cycle oflithium through thelithosphere andhydrosphere.

In the diagram above, lithium sinks are described in concentrations (ppm) and displayed as boxes.^[1] Fluxes are shown as arrows and are in units of moles per year.^[2] Continental rocks containing lithium are dissolved, transferring lithium to rivers or secondary minerals.^[2] Dissolved lithium in run-off travels to the ocean.^[2] Fluid release fromhydrothermal vents contributes to oceanic lithium reserves while lithium is removed from the ocean by secondary mineral formation.^[2]

Lithium is widely distributed in thelithosphere andmantle as a trace element insilicate minerals.^[1] Lithium concentrations are highest in the uppercontinental andoceanic crusts.Chemical weathering at Earth’s surface dissolves lithium inprimary minerals and releases it to rivers and ground waters. Lithium can be removed from solution by formation ofsecondary minerals like clays orzeolites.^[1] In contrast, in low-temperature surface environments, iron oxides have a limited impact on the lithium cycle.^[3]

Rivers eventually feed into the ocean, providing approximately 50% of marine inputs.^[2] The remainder of lithium inputs come fromhydrothermal venting at mid-ocean ridges, where lithium is released from the mantle.^[1] Secondary clay formation removes dissolved lithium from seawater to the authigenic clays^[4] and to the altered oceanic crust.^[1]

Lithiumisotopes have potential as viable geochemical tracers for processes such as silicate rock weathering and crust/mantle recycling due to significantlithium isotope fractionation during these processes.^[2]

• Biogeochemical cycle
• Lithium