Direct effects of CO 2 and temperature on silicate weathering: Possible implications for climate control
Abstract
A critical uncertainty in models of the global carbon cycle and climate is the combined effect of organic activity, temperature, and atmospheric CO 2 on silicate weathering. Here we present new dissolution rates of anorthite and augite which indicate that silicate weathering in organic-rich solutions is not directly affected by soil CO 2 but is very sensitive to temperature. Apparently CO 2 accelerates silicate weathering indirectly by fertilizing organic activity and the production of corrosive organic acids. The weathering dependencies highlight the ability of silicate weathering to act as a global thermostat and damp out climate change, when used as input in steady-state carbon cycle and climate models.
- Publication:
-
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
- Pub Date:
- April 1994
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0016-7037(94)90543-6
- Bibcode:
- 1994GeCoA..58.1853B