Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate climate change and reduce global warming. This process involves various natural and artificial methods to store carbon in different geochemical reservoirs, such as soil, vegetation, and underground formations, ultimately contributing to the balance of the carbon cycle.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbon sequestration can occur naturally through processes such as plant growth, which absorbs CO2 during photosynthesis and stores it in biomass and soil.
2. Artificial carbon sequestration techniques include capturing CO2 emissions from power plants and other industrial sources before they enter the atmosphere.
3. Geological storage of carbon involves injecting captured CO2 into rock formations that have the capacity to hold gas, such as depleted oil or gas fields.
4. The effectiveness of carbon sequestration can be influenced by factors such as soil type, land use practices, and the presence of vegetation.
5. Implementing widespread carbon sequestration strategies is seen as essential for meeting international climate targets and reducing the impacts of climate change.

Review Questions

• How does carbon sequestration contribute to the stability of geochemical reservoirs in relation to atmospheric CO2 levels?
  • Carbon sequestration plays a crucial role in stabilizing geochemical reservoirs by removing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in various forms. This process not only reduces the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere but also helps maintain the balance within natural systems like soil and vegetation. By sequestering carbon in these reservoirs, it aids in mitigating climate change impacts while enhancing ecosystem health.
• Discuss the role of kerogen and hydrocarbons in carbon sequestration processes and their significance in geological storage.
  • Kerogen is a precursor to hydrocarbons found in sedimentary rocks and plays a critical role in carbon sequestration by acting as a long-term storage form of organic carbon. When kerogen is transformed into hydrocarbons through thermal maturation, it can effectively sequester carbon that would otherwise contribute to atmospheric CO2 levels. Understanding the relationship between kerogen, hydrocarbons, and geological storage is vital for developing strategies to enhance carbon capture and storage technologies.
• Evaluate the potential effectiveness of biomineralization as a method of carbon sequestration in addressing climate change challenges.
  • Biomineralization presents a promising approach to carbon sequestration by utilizing natural biological processes to capture and store CO2. Organisms such as certain bacteria can facilitate the formation of stable mineral forms that incorporate carbon, effectively reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Evaluating this method's effectiveness involves considering factors like reaction rates, environmental conditions, and the scalability of these biological systems. If successfully implemented on a large scale, biomineralization could significantly contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.

Related terms

Carbon Cycle: The natural process through which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, land, ocean, and living organisms, influencing global climate patterns.

Photosynthesis:

The process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into organic compounds, effectively sequestering carbon in biomass.

Geological Storage: A method of carbon sequestration where CO2 is injected into deep geological formations for long-term storage, preventing its release back into the atmosphere.