Why there is so little carbon in Earth crust?

In summary, carbon is the 4th most prevalent element in the galaxy, after hydrogen, helium, and oxygen. In Earth's crust, it is only ranked 15th. This is because carbon is soluble in iron and during the formation of Earth, much of the carbon was concentrated in the core. This explains why carbon is rare on Earth compared to its prevalence in other places. However, it is believed that the percentage of carbon in Earth's crust is similar to its prevalence in the galaxy, with the majority of it being found in carbon-based life forms. The use of Bessemer converters in steelmaking also contributed to the release of high levels of carbon emissions, leading to air pollution.
  • #1
Czcibor
288
132
In the galaxy carbon is on 4th place (after hydrogen, helium and oxygen)

In Earth crust it has respectable 15th place.

Hydrogen, helium, neon - they are on to the top galaxy popularity list, but are too light to be kept by our planet in proportional amount. Quite a few elements in Earth crust (oxygen, silica, iron) have roughly the place that one would expect from their galaxy prevalence. However, carbon does not follow this logic.

Why it is so rare on Earth comparing its prevalence in other places?
 
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  • #2
Czcibor said:
silica,

*Silicon

Anyway, my best guess would be that the crust has about the same percentage of Carbon as the galaxy, but most of it is concentrated in carbon-based life forms.
 
  • #3
Because carbon is soluble in iron. When the hot new Earth was fractionating into crust, mantle, and core, much of the carbon would have ended up in the core. If you ever saw the blow of a Bessemer converter, you would know how much carbon loves molten iron.

I don't think there have been any Bessemer process steelmakers for almost fifty years. The major problem with Bessemer converters compared to basic oxygen furnaces (BOF) or open hearth furnaces was the short time of the blow. You couldn't change the process--or the charge once started. Of course, it is much easier to control air pollution with a BOF Once the gasses are cooled (in a heat exchanger to preheat the fuel or oxygen) the major component is CO2.

I'm sure there must be an online movie of a Bessemer converter in operation, but it is a waste of time. Anyone who lived within say 20 miles of a Bessemer converter (or twelve) can tell you they lit up the night sky like it was day. Closer in, tinted goggles are recommended. In daytime the converter will put out more light than the sun. (Locally of course.) A good cameraman will compensate for this, but that just means it looks like the sun went out.
 

1. Why is carbon important in Earth's crust?

Carbon is an essential element for life on Earth and is also a major component of many minerals and rocks found in the crust. It is involved in various geological processes and plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle, which regulates Earth's climate.

2. What causes the low abundance of carbon in Earth's crust?

The majority of carbon on Earth is found in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and dissolved in the oceans. However, due to the high temperatures and pressures found in the Earth's mantle, most of the carbon that is buried during the formation of rocks is converted into other compounds, such as carbonates or hydrocarbons, which are not as abundant in the crust.

3. How does the concentration of carbon in Earth's crust compare to other elements?

Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe, but it is relatively scarce in the Earth's crust, accounting for only about 0.2% of its total mass. Other common elements in the crust, such as oxygen, silicon, and aluminum, have higher concentrations due to their stability and resistance to chemical reactions.

4. Are there any factors that can increase the amount of carbon in Earth's crust?

There are a few geological processes that can increase the amount of carbon in the crust. For example, volcanic activity can release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which can then dissolve in water and form carbonates. Also, the burial of organic matter, such as plants and animals, in sedimentary rocks can lead to the formation of carbon-rich fossil fuels.

5. How does the low carbon content in Earth's crust impact life on Earth?

The low abundance of carbon in the crust does not directly impact life on Earth, as most living organisms obtain carbon from the atmosphere or dissolved in water. However, the carbon cycle, which relies on the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere, land, and oceans, is important for regulating Earth's climate and maintaining a habitable environment for living organisms.

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