What is the process of carbon sequestration?

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate global warming.

Carbon sequestration is a natural or artificial process by which carbon dioxide (CO2) is captured from the atmosphere and stored to prevent it from contributing to global warming. This process is crucial in the fight against climate change, as it helps to reduce the amount of CO2, a major greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere.

There are two main types of carbon sequestration: biological and geological. Biological carbon sequestration involves the absorption of CO2 by plants during photosynthesis. The carbon is then stored in the plant tissues and in the soil when the plant dies and decomposes. Forests, grasslands, and other ecosystems rich in plant life are significant contributors to biological carbon sequestration.

Geological carbon sequestration, on the other hand, involves capturing CO2 directly from large point sources, such as fossil fuel power plants, and injecting it into underground geological formations. These formations can include depleted oil and gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams, and deep saline reservoirs. The CO2 is usually compressed into a liquid-like state, known as supercritical CO2, to reduce the volume needed for storage.

Artificial carbon sequestration techniques are also being developed and include methods such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and direct air capture (DAC). These methods aim to capture CO2 directly from the air or before it is released from power plants and store it, often underground.

In summary, carbon sequestration is a vital process in the effort to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of global warming. Both natural and artificial methods are used, each with their own advantages and challenges.