Ancient Rock Carbon Emissions Rival Volcanoes in CO2 Release

A new study led by the University of Oxford has found that natural rock weathering can act as a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO2), rivaling the emissions from volcanoes. Previously, it was believed that rock weathering acted as a CO2 sink, but this research shows that certain rocks, when exposed to oxygen and water, can release CO2 into the atmosphere. The study highlights the importance of including this process in climate change models and suggests that changes in erosion and warming of rocks due to human activities could increase this natural carbon leak.