Seafloor alkalinity enhancement as a carbon dioxide removal strategy in the Baltic Sea

durch Dr. Andy Dale (Geomar)

Mittwoch 15.07.2026, 13:15 → 14:30 Europe/Berlin

5-1.213 - PAZIFIK / PACIFIC- Rechte Seite - Großer, unterteilbarer Konferenzraum (GEOMAR - Standort Ostufer / GEOMAR - East Shore)

Abstract:

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and long-term storage are urgently needed to limit global warming and sustainably manage the global carbon cycle. Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) via the addition of carbonate minerals to the seafloor is a promising method to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide as dissolved bicarbonate. Here, we combine in situ experiments and modeling to determine the dissolution rate of added calcite under natural conditions at Boknis Eck (southwestern Baltic Sea). The calcite exhibited a distinct dissolution signal at rates that validate previous laboratory findings. Similar results were observed in the Gotland Basin, suggesting that calcite addition could serve as an effective regional OAE strategy.

Meeting link:
https://geomar.webex.com/geomar/j.php?MTID=ma1a0f968b01c74ed3a49c91d3eb51a04