Chemistry of Salt Formation in Seawater

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The chemistry of seawater is very complex. Many multistep equilibrium operate simultaneously. A sequence of chemical reactions following the weathering of the igneous rock is given below:

Igneous rocks consist of aluminosilicates of calcium, potassium, sodium etc. Rainwater containing some dissolved CO₂ dissolves these metals as bicarbonates. These go into the sea leaving behind clay and sand (called detritus clay)

Ca²⁺get converted to CaCO₃ (shells) by marine organisms, which forms sedimentary rocks. HCO₃^- (bicarbonate ion) reacts with HCl (produced due to volcanic eruptions under sea water) producing Cl^- and CO₂.

This reaction is followed by metamorphoric of clay to form Na, K, Ca aluminosilicates of igneous rocks.

Manganese nodules

Manganese metal exists at the seabed, in the form of potato shaped nodules. These nodules are formed by some on-going biological processes. These nodules also contain small amounts of metals like, cobalt, copper, nickel, iron etc. An approximate composition of manganese nodule is