Natural Analogs to Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement

Abstract. Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) research can be supplemented by studying the natural alkalinity cycle. In this chapter, we introduce the concept of natural analogs to ocean alkalinity enhancement. We describe earth system processes relevant to OAE deployment and its measurement, reporting, and verification. We then describe some suitable natural analog locations that could serve as study sites to understand how these processes may interact with OAE. Approaches to examining the geological record are also considered. Practical considerations for establishing a natural analog study are discussed, including geochemical mass balance; choosing a site; establishing a control; choosing a measurement suite and platform; and coordinating with ocean models. We identify rivers and their plumes, glacial fjords, whiting events, and basinal seas with elevated alkalinity, as promising candidates for initial natural analog studies. This chapter is not meant to be prescriptive, but instead is written to inspire researchers to creatively explore the power of natural analogs to advance our understanding of OAE.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Natural Analogs to Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement ; day:23 ; month:06 ; year:2023 ; pages:1-22 ; extent:22 ; State of the planet discussions ; (23.06.2023), 1-22 (gesamt 22)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Subhas, Adam Vinay ; Lehmann, Nadine ; Rickaby, Rosalind

Further information

• DOI: 10.5194/sp-2023-5
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2023062905235326991267
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:52 AM CEST