Comment on answers: Rock weather and climate

“Look, look, we find that we can explain this discrepancy,” Hilton said. In other words, weathering of organic carbon amplifies the warming caused by volcanic CO₂so that the earth is heated more than it would be if it were a CO volcano₂ had been released.

Samples of acid-digested rock are being prepared for further analysis using column chromatography.

Credit: Bob Hilton

But Rugenstein doubts the amount of CO₂ released by the season. “Their estimates of the amount of carbon provided by this review are huge,” Rugenstein said. “I find it hard to believe that the carbon fluxes will be as big as they think.”

Where does that leave the “thermostat” of the Earth?

If it’s a storm they produce CO₂does this leave our understanding of the Earth’s climate “thermostat,” which drops the stone (especially the temperature of silicate minerals) reduces Effects of atmospheric CO₂prevent global warming?

“The silicate weather is still playing a big role. We’re not disputing that,” Hilton said. “It means the silicate climate has to work harder.”

“Although (organic carbon weathering) may be the dominant response, in the end, that tells you that the silicate weathering responses must be very strong,” Rugenstein said.

The strength of the competition between silicate weathering and organic carbon weathering depends on the amount of carbon-rich sediments exposed on the surface. “At some point, you will run out of organic carbon to oxidize, and then they will put a strong limit on the power of feedback,” said Rugenstein.

In contrast, the amount of silicate minerals found in the climate is lower CO₂ he is very big. “That’s why the responses are so strong — we have a much stronger defense,” Rugenstein said.

A small, long-term uncertainty for humans

The research suggests that these ideas may apply to other climate events, including our own today. Hilton predicts organic carbon weathering will increase CO₂ to the atmosphere over the next few centuries, with a slight increase in human-caused warming. “It’s not a disaster zone,” Hilton said, “but it’s the amount of carbon that could be emitted at a higher rate than it is now, and that’s going to destroy our carbon budget.”