The Silica

The silica cycle is the biogeochemical cycle in which biogenic silica is transported between the Earth's systems. Silicon is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, and is considered necessary for life. The silica cycle has significant overlap with the carbon cycle (see carbonate–silicate cycle) and plays an important role in the sequestration of carbon through continental weathering, biogenic export and burial as oozes on geologic timescales.