Extreme Cycling: The Challenges of Understanding Global Element Circulation

Birkbeck Inaugural Lecture - 15 June 2015 Professor Karen Hudson-Edwards - Professor of Environmental Geochemistry and Mineralogy Global biogeochemical cycles describe the processes by which elements circulate from sources to sinks within the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere, and the fluxes associated with these transfers. These cycles give vital information to help understand and manage pollution, nutrients and climate change, and to evaluate natural and anthropogenic effects on these issues. This presentation will give an overview of the extreme cycling of key nutrients and pollutants, explain the geochemical and mineralogical processes by which these elements are circulated and outline future challenges for research. For more information about Birkbeck's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences - www.bbk.ac.uk/geology Professor Karen Hudson-Edwards - http://www.bbk.ac.uk/geology/our-staff/karen-hudson-edwards