Enhanced Rock Weathering
Enhanced rock weathering, a process of spreading pulverised silicate rock on soils, captures carbon dioxide through chemical reactions facilitated by rain, contributing to soil fertility and reducing ocean acidification. This environmentally friendly method offers multiple social benefits, including boosting local economies, enhancing agricultural productivity, and building resilience against climate change.
/ / / / / / / /
What is it?
Enhanced rock weathering accelerates the natural weathering of certain rock types to capture and store carbon dioxide. This process is achieved by grinding silicate rock into a fine powder and spreading it on soils. Over time various chemical reactions suck up and transport carbon dioxide to the oceans, where it is stored for millennia.
How does the rock remove carbon dioxide?
Rain absorbs CO2, making it slightly acidic. This weak acid reacts with silicate rock, left over from volcanic eruptions, that is pulverized and spread over soils to generate reaction products that are transferred via surface and ground waters to rivers and, eventually, oceans. Then, the reaction products, derived initially from CO2 and other compounds, are sequestered on the ocean floor.
However, the benefits of this carbon dioxide removal approach do not end here. Enhanced rock weathering also increases water alkalinity and could combat ocean acidification. Silicate rock also contains essential nutrients vital for soil and plant health, potentially boosting plant yields.
Social benefits
Enhanced rock weathering techniques can contribute to sustainable development goals by providing an environmentally friendly method for carbon capture and soil improvement, supporting long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Associated employment opportunities can also stimulate local economies, particularly in regions where suitable rock resources are abundant. By sequestering carbon dioxide and enhancing soil fertility, this approach can build resilience to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events and changes in agricultural productivity.
What is it?
Enhanced rock weathering accelerates the natural weathering of certain rock types to capture and store carbon dioxide. This process is achieved by grinding silicate rock into a fine powder and spreading it on soils. Over time various chemical reactions suck up and transport carbon dioxide to the oceans, where it is stored for millennia.
How does the rock remove carbon dioxide?
Rain absorbs CO2, making it slightly acidic. This weak acid reacts with silicate rock, left over from volcanic eruptions, that is pulverized and spread over soils to generate reaction products that are transferred via surface and ground waters to rivers and, eventually, oceans. Then, the reaction products, derived initially from CO2 and other compounds, are sequestered on the ocean floor.
However, the benefits of this carbon dioxide removal approach do not end here. Enhanced rock weathering also increases water alkalinity and could combat ocean acidification. Silicate rock also contains essential nutrients vital for soil and plant health, potentially boosting plant yields.
Social benefits
Enhanced rock weathering techniques can contribute to sustainable development goals by providing an environmentally friendly method for carbon capture and soil improvement, supporting long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Associated employment opportunities can also stimulate local economies, particularly in regions where suitable rock resources are abundant. By sequestering carbon dioxide and enhancing soil fertility, this approach can build resilience to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events and changes in agricultural productivity.
What is it?
Enhanced rock weathering accelerates the natural weathering of certain rock types to capture and store carbon dioxide. This process is achieved by grinding silicate rock into a fine powder and spreading it on soils. Over time various chemical reactions suck up and transport carbon dioxide to the oceans, where it is stored for millennia.
How does the rock remove carbon dioxide?
Rain absorbs CO2, making it slightly acidic. This weak acid reacts with silicate rock, left over from volcanic eruptions, that is pulverized and spread over soils to generate reaction products that are transferred via surface and ground waters to rivers and, eventually, oceans. Then, the reaction products, derived initially from CO2 and other compounds, are sequestered on the ocean floor.
However, the benefits of this carbon dioxide removal approach do not end here. Enhanced rock weathering also increases water alkalinity and could combat ocean acidification. Silicate rock also contains essential nutrients vital for soil and plant health, potentially boosting plant yields.
Social benefits
Enhanced rock weathering techniques can contribute to sustainable development goals by providing an environmentally friendly method for carbon capture and soil improvement, supporting long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Associated employment opportunities can also stimulate local economies, particularly in regions where suitable rock resources are abundant. By sequestering carbon dioxide and enhancing soil fertility, this approach can build resilience to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events and changes in agricultural productivity.
What is it?
Enhanced rock weathering accelerates the natural weathering of certain rock types to capture and store carbon dioxide. This process is achieved by grinding silicate rock into a fine powder and spreading it on soils. Over time various chemical reactions suck up and transport carbon dioxide to the oceans, where it is stored for millennia.
How does the rock remove carbon dioxide?
Rain absorbs CO2, making it slightly acidic. This weak acid reacts with silicate rock, left over from volcanic eruptions, that is pulverized and spread over soils to generate reaction products that are transferred via surface and ground waters to rivers and, eventually, oceans. Then, the reaction products, derived initially from CO2 and other compounds, are sequestered on the ocean floor.
However, the benefits of this carbon dioxide removal approach do not end here. Enhanced rock weathering also increases water alkalinity and could combat ocean acidification. Silicate rock also contains essential nutrients vital for soil and plant health, potentially boosting plant yields.
Social benefits
Enhanced rock weathering techniques can contribute to sustainable development goals by providing an environmentally friendly method for carbon capture and soil improvement, supporting long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Associated employment opportunities can also stimulate local economies, particularly in regions where suitable rock resources are abundant. By sequestering carbon dioxide and enhancing soil fertility, this approach can build resilience to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events and changes in agricultural productivity.
