Annotated seismic cross-section of the Fontanelas volcano. Credit: Pereira and Gamboa, 2023
A new study recommends that an extinct overseas volcano in Portugal can possibly keep 1.2-8.6 gigatons of co2, representing 24-125 years of the nations industrial emissions. The method involves in situ mineral carbonation, where CO2 responds with particular rock components to create new, securely saved minerals. This effective and quick method might pave the method for utilizing other overseas volcanoes globally for carbon capture and storage.
A brand-new research study released in the clinical journal Geology concludes that an extinct volcano off the shore of Portugal might keep as much as 1.2-8.6 gigatons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of ~ 24-125 years of the nations commercial emissions. For context, in 2022 a total of 42.6 megatons (0.0426 gigatons) of co2 was removed from the environment by international carbon capture and storage efforts, according to the Global CCS Institute. The new study recommends that carbon capture and storage in overseas underwater volcanoes could be a promising brand-new instructions for removal and storage of much larger volumes of the greenhouse gas from the environment.
” We understand that a lot of countries, including Portugal, are making efforts to decarbonize the economy and our human activities, this is a message that this might be one of the instruments to resolve the issue,” states Ricardo Pereira, a geologist at the NOVA School of Science and Technology, and co-author of the study.
For context, in 2022 a total of 42.6 megatons (0.0426 gigatons) of carbon dioxide was gotten rid of from the atmosphere by global carbon capture and storage efforts, according to the Global CCS Institute. In this procedure, carbon dioxide responds with elements in certain types of rocks to produce brand-new minerals that safely and completely save the carbon dioxide. Knowing this, the scientists targeted an offshore volcano for a few factors– the structure of the volcano could supply an ideal architecture for carbon injection and storage, the rocks are the right type for the reactions included, and the place Is not too close to large populations, however also not too far.
Many carbon capture tasks have relied on injection of carbon dioxide into permeable sedimentary basins that are sealed to prevent migration of the gas out of reservoirs. The dug up samples contained naturally formed carbonate minerals, showing that the chemical responses required to save carbon were already occurring, and that intentional efforts to mineralize carbon in these rocks ought to be successful.
Schematic cross-section of the Fontanelas volcano, indicating possible websites for carbon dioxide sequestration. Credit: Pereira and Gamboa, 2023
In this process, carbon dioxide responds with components in particular types of rocks to produce brand-new minerals that securely and permanently keep the carbon dioxide. Knowing this, the scientists targeted an overseas volcano for a few reasons– the structure of the volcano could offer an ideal architecture for carbon injection and storage, the rocks are the best type for the reactions involved, and the place Is not too close to large populations, however likewise not too far.
A lot of carbon capture tasks have actually relied on injection of carbon dioxide into permeable sedimentary basins that are sealed to avoid migration of the gas out of reservoirs. In 2016, scientists released findings that 95% of carbon dioxide injected into underground basalts in Iceland had mineralized within simply two years.
Davide Gamboa, a geologist at the University of Aveiro and co-author of the study, describes, “What makes mineral carbonation truly fascinating is the time. The faster it gets into a mineral, the more secure it ends up being, and once its a mineral, it is irreversible.”
The researchers studied the storage capacity at the ancient Fontanelas volcano, which is partially buried ~ 100 kilometers offshore from Lisbon, with a peak ~ 1500 meters below sea-level.
To approximate the potential volume of carbon dioxide that might be saved at this site, the authors used 2D and 3D seismic studies of the undersea volcano that had actually been produced during overseas oil expedition, as well as data from samples that had actually been dredged from the location in 2008. The dug up samples contained naturally formed carbonate minerals, suggesting that the chemical responses needed to store carbon were currently taking place, and that intentional efforts to mineralize carbon in these rocks must be successful.
While this study showed a big possible carbon storage capability at the Fontanelas volcano, the authors highlight that lots of other places worldwide might have similar offshore volcanoes that could be prospects for carbon capture and storage.
Reference: “In situ carbon storage potential in a buried volcano” by Ricardo Pereira and Davide Gamboa, 16 May 2023, Geology.DOI: 10.1130/ G50965.1.