Effects of Alkaline Feedstock Dissolution and Sinking on Coastal Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement: A Modelling Study
ID:1401
Oral Presentation
2027-01-12 11:10 (China Standard Time)
Session:Session 22 - Advances in modeling marine carbon dioxide removal
Abstract
Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) can potentially remove gigatons of CO₂ from the atmosphere. By adding alkaline substances into seawater, the enhanced alkalinity will yield net removal of atmospheric CO2 if this enhancement happens at the surface. Consequently, it has long been assumed that these substances must be ground into small particles or pre-dissolved to prevent from sinking out of the surface before the addition to the open ocean. However, given the unique hydrodynamics of coastal systems, the applicability of this assumption remains to be verified. In this study, we developed a regional high-resolution model to simulate the addition, dissolution, and sinking of various alkaline feedstocks, and to evaluate their impacts on detectability, potential risks, and CO2 removal efficiency of OAE. Results show that in winter, a fast sinking velocity of feedstocks greatly reduces potential risks, while having minimal impact on the detectability of OAE signals or removal efficiency due to strong vertical mixing. In contrast, summer, which features strong stratification and long residence time, allows a slow dissolution rate to mitigates potential risks without sacrifice on detectability or efficiency. Thus, the potential risks can be mitigated without compromising detectability and efficiency by tailoring feedstock selection to local hydrodynamic conditions.
Speaker
Author
Important Dates
-
Jan 30
2026
Session / Event proposals open
-
Mar 31
2026
Session / Event proposals close
(Extended to April 7) -
Apr 30
2026
Session acceptance notifications
-
Apr 30
2026
Abstract submissions & registration open
-
Jun 30
2026
Abstract submissions close
(Extended to July 21) -
Aug 31
2026
Abstract acceptance notifications
-
Sep 15
2026
Scientific program released
-
Oct 15
2026
Early bird registration closes
-
Jan 12–15
2027
XMAS 2027
