Spreading crushed rock over farmland can remove CO₂ from the atmosphere if we do it right
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is naturally removed from the air when it reacts with certain types of rock. We can accelerate this process by crushing suitable rocks and spreading them over agricultural fields. This simple method, known as “enhanced rock weathering”, could vastly increase the rate of CO₂ removal from the atmosphere. Modelling studies suggest billions of tonnes of CO₂ might be removed annually if crushed rocks were applied to croplands globally. With current energy-related emissions at 37 billion tonnes a year, this means enhanced weathering could contribute in a big way to reaching net zero emissions. A new industry is...
Massive meteorite impact 3 billion years ago aided life on Earth’s growth
A new study from Harvard scientists reveals that the catastrophic impact actually allowed life on Earth to flourish. The post Massive meteorite impact 3 billion years ago aided life on Earth’s growth appeared first on Talker.
Rock weathering drives further warming in the Arctic
An unexpected and obscure phenomenon in the Arctic could dramatically accelerate climate change: the weathering of rocks. This natural process in the Canadian Arctic could potentially trigger a feedback loop, accelerating the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere as global temperatures continue to rise. Arctic rock weathering Rock weathering is a process where certain minerals and rocks react with oxygen in the atmosphere. This results in a series of chemical reactions that ultimately release CO2. As an example, the weathering of sulfide minerals - like fool's gold - produces an acid that forces CO2 out of other rock minerals. The scary part? This...
Grinding rocks into a soil additive? It may be closer than you think
Someday we may see a farmer grinding field-strewn rocks into powder for a soil additive, and getting paid for it by some carbon credit program. The post Grinding rocks into a soil additive? It may be closer than you think appeared first on AGDAILY.