As the climate change has increased the Scientists and Environmentalists are exploring various ideas to combat the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The solution that is receiving recognition involves the process of enhanced rock weathering, which seeks to enlarge the surface interaction between rainwater and rock, thereby enabling more effective removal of carbon.
Rock weathering involves grinding rocks into fine powder and spreading them over the ground. By doing so, the surface area of the rocks is maximised, leading to an increased interaction between rainwater and rock.
While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial, it may not be sufficient to prevent dangerous levels of global warming. Active removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is vital to effectively address the climate crisis. Enhanced rock weathering presents a promising pathway to accelerate the removal of carbon dioxide and mitigate its impact on the environment.
In the natural process, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere combines with rainwater, forming carbonic acid. This process takes place when the acid descends upon mountain regions, forests, and grasslands. As a result, the carbon dioxide interacts with rocks and soil, undergoing mineralisation and secure storage in the form of carbonate. Enhanced rock weathering capitalises on this phenomenon by utilising finely crushed rock particles to increase the contact area between rainwater and rock.
The company UNDO aims to expedite the process of rock weathering. Their approach involves applying crushed basalt rock onto farmland, reducing the timescale required from millions of years to mere decades. After the chemical reaction between carbon dioxide and the weathered rock takes place, the resulting greenhouse gas is captured and safely stored for extended periods, spanning thousands of years.
The application of nutrient-rich rocks to soil improves crop yields by providing essential nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium. Furthermore, it improves the fertility of the soil, enhances the availability of nutrients, and decreases reliance on fertilisers. The process contributes to the restoration of oceans by diminishing ocean acidification through the release of bicarbonate ions. Additionally, weathering products improve soil water retention, and assisting plants during drought conditions.