Global sediment patterns reveal how Earth recycles elements between crust and mantle

Nature · Published 2 October 2026 · Updated 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Researchers evaluating global marine sediments found that subducting material plays a vital role in recycling elements between the Earth's crust and mantle. By analyzing the chemical composition of these sediments, the study established a global average composition, known as GLOSS, which tracks how various elements are transported into the deep Earth.

The researchers used geochemical data from drill cores to define the chemical patterns of subducting sediments. They found that the composition of these sediments is largely determined by their lithology, which is influenced by factors like biological productivity and proximity to volcanic or continental sources.

The findings suggest that the GLOSS composition is dominated by terrigenous material and is chemically similar to the upper continental crust, though it differs in specific elements like barium and manganese. This model also suggests revisions to previous estimates of the upper continental crust's chemical makeup.

Why it matters: Understanding the chemical flux of subducting sediments is essential for modeling how the Earth recycles elements between its surface and interior.

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