Carbon sequestration

Illustration showing both terrestrial and geological sequestration of carbon dioxide

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas in the atmosphere. One method of sequestration is by capturing CO₂ produced by power plants and factories before they release it into the atmosphere. When the CO₂ gas is in long-term storage, that means it has been sequestered.

Carbon sequestration aims to assist in elimination of human introduced carbon from Earth's atmosphere by disrupting the carbon cycle. It is also used to prevent future human caused climate change.

Methods

There are two long-term ways to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere:

1. Terrestrial Sequestration- plants and trees store CO₂ in their bodies and in their roots.
2. geologic sequestration- bury the CO₂ thousands of feet underground.

Carbon Sequestration Media

• 

  Schematic showing both geologic and biologic carbon sequestration of the excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere emitted by human activities.

• 

  Reforestation and reducing deforestation can increase carbon sequestration in several ways. Pandani (Richea pandanifolia) near Lake Dobson, Mount Field National Park, Tasmania, Australia

• 

  Deforestation in Haiti (2008).

• 

  An example of a healthy wetland ecosystem

• 

  Global distribution of blue carbon (rooted vegetation in the coastal zone): tidal marshes, mangroves and seagrasses.
• 

  Panicum virgatum switchgrass, valuable in biofuel production, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration in soils.

• 

  Biochar can be landfilled, used as a soil improver or burned using carbon capture and storage.

• 

  The pelagic food web, showing the central involvement of marine microorganisms in how the ocean imports carbon and then exports it back to the atmosphere and ocean floor
• 

  Kelp forest
• 

  Seagrass meadow