Geog in the News 5

Read this article - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-65648361

What is the process known as 'enhanced rock weathering' aimed at?

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

• Capturing and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

• Increasing volcanic activity

• Accelerating global warming

Which method of carbon capture involves mechanically extracting CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it underground?

• Planting trees
• Enhanced rock weathering
• Direct Air Capture
• Burning fossil fuels

How does enhanced rock weathering differ from traditional weathering?

• It removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere faster
• It has no effect on carbon removal
• It occurs exclusively in volcanic regions
• It requires less energy than other methods

What is the primary purpose of spreading basalt on fields?

• To increase crop yields
• To release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
• To generate free fertilizer for farmers
• To accelerate weathering and erosion of the rock

How does the basalt used in enhanced rock weathering benefit local farmers?

• It improves crop yields and grazing quality
• It provides a source of income for farmers
• It reduces the need for irrigation on farmland
• It repels pests and insects

What is the estimated ratio of basalt rocks to CO2 captured in the enhanced rock weathering process?

• 1 tonne of basalt captures 4 tonnes of CO2
• 1 tonne of basalt captures 2 tonnes of CO2
• 1 tonne of basalt captures 10 tonnes of CO2
• 1 tonne of basalt captures 0.5 tonnes of CO2

Which company recently invested £12m in UNDO, a company specializing in enhanced rock weathering?

• Microsoft
• Oxford University
• Basalt Industries
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Agency

What is one potential concern associated with carbon removal techniques like enhanced rock weathering?

• They may divert attention from reducing emissions
• They may increase CO2 emissions
• They may cause volcanic eruptions
• They may deplete the ozone layer

What is one advantage of enhanced rock weathering compared to other carbon removal methods?

• It provides a permanent solution to carbon removal
• It is more cost-effective than other methods
• It does not require any energy or equipment
• It can be implemented on a small scale

Using the diagram in the article, what is the name given to the substance which is produced when volcanic rock reacts with water.

• Volcanic rock

• carbonates

• CO2

• Oxygen