Science Looks to Rocks to Slow Climate Change

New information from the scientific community suggests that rocks could play a vital part in decelerating climate change. The rocks in question are plentiful on the Eastern and Western extremities of the US and, say the scientists, might be able to be encouraged into absorbing CO2 emissions.

Through a naturally-occurring process and one that can last many millennia, rocks take in CO2 through amalgamating it with minerals and, thus, creating solids such as calcium carbonate. The effects of weathering and erosion act against the rocks’ surfaces and, consequently, atmospheric CO2 is absorbed.

Rocks Absorb CO2 Emissions

Through the application of scientific technology, this process has been replicated in sped-up form. The scientists broke up the rocks, and then dissolved them by introducing sodium citrate. The rocks reassembled at a rapid pace, and, as they did so, took in CO2.

However, the small-scale nature of their achievement means it would be impractical to be of benefit on the wider platform - taking on CO2 reduction at the volume needed to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Consequently, the scientists are considering the possibility of using rock outcroppings – sections of rock located above ground – on the basis the rocks absorb CO2 emissions at a greater pace than occurs in the natural world. One way this could be achieved is through making holes in these rocks and pumping in hot water, together with pressurised CO2, although insufficient research in this field has yet place to establish the viability of the process.

Sequestration Technology

If successful, however, this process – when put in motion - might lessen the requirement for industrial sequestration technology.

The scientists proposing the fusion of nature and science outlined in this News Item work at the US Geological Survey and Columbia University, and the lead scientist involved is Sam Krevor.

Their study highlights the extent of areas in the US containing rocks with a suitable mineral presence to allow water injection to take place – around 6,000 square miles, in total. Outside the US, rocks of the same kind are prolific in other areas too – Oman and Papau New Guinea being particular hotspots.

According to Krevor, theoretically, the rocks in the US could take in five centuries worth of carbon emissions.

“One day this could be an incredibly useful tool to help fight global warming” Mr Krevor explained, adding: “...the problem is not going to be a lack of rocks, it's getting them to do the job.”