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Editorial preface to special issue: Chemical weathering as a key mechanism sustaining Earth's habitability.

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Title: Editorial preface to special issue: Chemical weathering as a key mechanism sustaining Earth's habitability.
Authors: Li, Gaojun1 (AUTHOR) ligaojun@nju.edu.cn, Dellinger, Mathieu2 (AUTHOR), Fernandez, Nicole M.3 (AUTHOR), Torres, Mark4 (AUTHOR), Li, Gen K.5 (AUTHOR)
Source: Global & Planetary Change. Dec2025, Vol. 255, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Chemical weathering, Earth system science, Atmospheric carbon dioxide, Ecological resilience, Hydrosphere (Earth), Nutrient cycles
Geographic Terms: Hainan Sheng (China)
Abstract: This Virtual Special Issue (VSI) leverages new observations, techniques, and research questions to provide a holistic understanding of chemical weathering as a central function of the Earth System, thereby maintaining planetary habitability. A total of thirty papers in this VSI cover the main topics discussed in a conference held in Hainan Island (2023) focused on Weathering as the core function of a Habitable Earth. These papers can be categorized into five groups that reflect chemical weathering as the nexus that connects different spheres of the Earth System: (1) development of weathering proxies based on the metals sourced from lithosphere, (2) weathering as a means of release of nutrients and pollutants that influence the biosphere, (3) weathering processes that are influenced by availability of water in the hydrosphere, (4) weathering feedbacks that control CO 2 levels in the atmosphere, and (5) weathering reactions limited by soil production in the pedosphere. These five groups correspond to the 'Wuxing' (Five Phases) concept of ancient Chinese philosophy. This concept emphasizes the interplay of five fundamental components of the Earth System – lithosphere (metal), biosphere (wood), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (fire, i.e., fire as hot air, and gas in atmosphere being of volcanic origin), and pedosphere (dirt). These studies demonstrate the great importance of weathering at the core of Earth System Science. • Chemical weathering is nexus of geospheres. • Weathering studies as the core of Earth System Science. • Wuxing concept is used to categorize weathering studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
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Abstract:This Virtual Special Issue (VSI) leverages new observations, techniques, and research questions to provide a holistic understanding of chemical weathering as a central function of the Earth System, thereby maintaining planetary habitability. A total of thirty papers in this VSI cover the main topics discussed in a conference held in Hainan Island (2023) focused on Weathering as the core function of a Habitable Earth. These papers can be categorized into five groups that reflect chemical weathering as the nexus that connects different spheres of the Earth System: (1) development of weathering proxies based on the metals sourced from lithosphere, (2) weathering as a means of release of nutrients and pollutants that influence the biosphere, (3) weathering processes that are influenced by availability of water in the hydrosphere, (4) weathering feedbacks that control CO 2 levels in the atmosphere, and (5) weathering reactions limited by soil production in the pedosphere. These five groups correspond to the 'Wuxing' (Five Phases) concept of ancient Chinese philosophy. This concept emphasizes the interplay of five fundamental components of the Earth System – lithosphere (metal), biosphere (wood), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (fire, i.e., fire as hot air, and gas in atmosphere being of volcanic origin), and pedosphere (dirt). These studies demonstrate the great importance of weathering at the core of Earth System Science. • Chemical weathering is nexus of geospheres. • Weathering studies as the core of Earth System Science. • Wuxing concept is used to categorize weathering studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:09218181
DOI:10.1016/j.gloplacha.2025.105055