"Sedimentary Rocks: Surprising Carbon Dioxide Emitters, Study Finds"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by IndiaTimes
A study published in Nature has revealed that carbon-rich sedimentary rocks, subjected to forces like mountainous uplift and erosion, release significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere through geological weathering. This process contributes approximately 68 megatons of CO2 annually, comparable to emissions from Earth's volcanoes. The study used a unique approach, utilizing the trace element rhenium as a proxy for CO2, and a global spatial model based on data from 59 river basins. The findings highlight the importance of understanding Earth's habitability and provide insights for climate models and long-term planning.