Lecture 24 Oceanography: Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts discussed in Lecture 24 on Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal in oceanography.

Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (MCDR)

The process designed to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide and store it in the ocean.

Carbon Sequestration

Refers to the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Ocean Fertilization

A method aimed at enhancing biological productivity in the ocean to increase carbon uptake.

Direct Injection

The concept of injecting liquid CO₂ directly into the ocean for storage.

Biological Approaches

Methods that enhance carbon storage through marine life.

Chemical Approaches

Methods that enhance the ocean's capacity to absorb CO₂ using chemical substances.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV)

The process required after carbon is stored to monitor its effectiveness.

Global Warming

A consequence of increased atmospheric CO₂ levels that traps heat in the atmosphere.

Ocean Acidification

The process where increased CO₂ levels make oceans more acidic, affecting ecosystems.

Enhanced Oil Recovery

A method involving the injection of CO₂ into oil reserves to maintain pressure and extract oil.

CO₂ Storage Concerns

Risks associated with improper CO₂ storage methods, illustrated by natural events in Africa.

Norway's Oil Field Case

A successful implementation of CO₂ storage in North Sea oil fields to avoid carbon taxes.

Carbon Sink

Refers to the ocean's ability to store carbon, significantly more than the atmosphere.

Natural CO₂ Entry into Oceans

A slow process, highlighting the need for expedited carbon removal methods.

Paris Agreement

An international agreement aiming to limit global temperature increases to below 1.5°C.

Historical CO₂ Emissions

Data showing past CO₂ levels and the urgency of reducing current emissions drastically.

High Nutrient, Low Chlorophyll (HNLC) regions

Areas where ocean fertilization can enhance CO₂ absorption by adding nutrients.

Artificial Upwelling

A method to enhance nutrient-rich deep ocean water's movement to the surface.

Macroalgae Cultivation

Cultivating seaweed like kelp to absorb CO₂ and effectively store carbon.

Blue Carbon

The carbon stored in coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrasses.

Alkalinity Enhancement

A chemical approach using minerals to increase ocean's CO₂ absorption capacity.

Olivine

A mineral proposed for use in CO₂ transformation in oceans.

Direct Air Capture (DAC)

Technologies aimed at removing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere.

Trade-offs of MCDR Methods

Considerations of benefits and negative outcomes of various carbon management strategies.

CO₂ Transformation Process

The method by which olivine absorbs CO₂ and transforms it into bicarbonate.

Nutrient Deficiency in Oceans

A condition that limits biological productivity, addressed by ocean fertilization.

Economic Benefits of CO₂ Storage

Advantages gained from effective carbon storage methods in commercial applications.

CO₂ Emission Problem Scale

The significant levels of emissions necessitating urgent reductions to combat climate change.

Carbon Storage Leakage Issues

Concerns about potential leaks of stored CO₂ affecting marine environments.

Complexity of Carbon Management

The intricacies involved in balancing carbon removal and emission reduction.