What are the Three Types of Carbon Sequestration?
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate or defer global warming. There are three primary types of carbon sequestration:
Terrestrial Sequestration:
This type involves the absorption of carbon dioxide by plants and soil. Trees, plants, and crops play a crucial role in capturing CO2 through photosynthesis. Forests, grasslands, and agricultural lands act as significant carbon sinks, storing carbon in biomass (leaves, stems, roots) and soil organic matter.
Geological Sequestration:
Geological sequestration entails the storage of carbon dioxide in underground rock formations. CO2 is captured at its source (such as power plants) and then injected deep underground into porous rock layers, often more than a kilometre beneath the surface. These rock formations, typically saline aquifers or depleted oil and gas fields, can securely store carbon dioxide for thousands of years.
Oceanic Sequestration:
The oceans naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Oceanic sequestration can be enhanced through techniques such as fertilisation, which stimulates the growth of phytoplankton that absorbs CO2 during photosynthesis. Another method involves directly injecting CO2 into deep ocean waters, where it can remain isolated from the atmosphere for centuries. However, this method requires careful consideration due to potential environmental impacts on marine ecosystems.
Each of these methods reduces the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, thereby playing a vital role in combating climate change.