The Global Phosphorus Cycle: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Research Article| April 01, 2008 The Global Phosphorus Cycle: Past, Present, and Future Gabriel M. Filippelli Gabriel M. Filippelli *Department of Earth Sciences Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) 723 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA E-mail: gfilippe@iupui.edu Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Gabriel M. Filippelli *Department of Earth Sciences Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) 723 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA E-mail: gfilippe@iupui.edu Publisher: Mineralogical Society of America First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1811-5217 Print ISSN: 1811-5209 © 2008 by the Mineralogical Society of America Elements (2008) 4 (2): 89–95. https://doi.org/10.2113/GSELEMENTS.4.2.89 Article history First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Gabriel M. Filippelli; The Global Phosphorus Cycle: Past, Present, and Future. Elements 2008;; 4 (2): 89–95. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/GSELEMENTS.4.2.89 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyElements Search Advanced Search Abstract The cycling of phosphorus, a biocritical element in short supply in nature, is an important Earth system process. Variations in the phosphorus cycle have occurred in the past. For example, the rapid uplift of the Himalayan-Tibet Plateau increased chemical weathering, which led to enhanced input of phosphorus to the oceans. This drove the late Miocene "biogenic bloom." Additionally, phosphorus is redistributed on glacial timescales, resulting from the loss of the substantial continental margin sink for reactive P during glacial sea-level lowstands. The modern terrestrial phosphorus cycle is dominated by agriculture and human activity. The natural riverine load of phosphorus has doubled due to increased use of fertilizers, deforestation and soil loss, and sewage sources. This has led to eutrophication of lakes and coastal areas, and will continue to have an impact for several thousand years based on forward modeling of human activities. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.