The role of structural and chemical aluminum transformations in the energetics of the earth's crust (From V.I. Vernadskii to the present)

The processes involved in the earth's energetics and the origin of the biosphere are discussed, with consideration given to both the Vernadskii 'kaolin nucleus' hypothesis and modern views concerning the accumulation of solar energy on the earth's surface. Particular attention is given to the role of transformations in aluminum compounds during the earth's evolution in the terrestrial energetics. It is shown that the processes of decomposition of silicates and aluminosilicates in the earth's crust and their conversion into clays, carbonates, sandstones, and salt deposits are accompanied by transformations of energy and its capture. It is shown that the increases of entropy, at the ultimate expense of solar energy, led to the directed evolution of the earth's crust.