CO2 in Earth's Crust: Comparing Levels to the Atmosphere

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In summary, the conversation revolves around the amount of carbon dioxide present in the Earth's crust and atmosphere. The majority of carbon on Earth is stored in the form of limestone or marble, while a significant amount is also found in the clathrate on the ocean bottoms. It is mentioned that the total amount of carbon in the CO2 of the atmosphere of Venus is about the same as all the carbon in the Earth's crust. The conversation also delves into the distinctions between different forms of carbon dioxide in the crust, such as dissolved in rocks or present in soil pores.
  • #1
nautica
Which has the most CO2. The Earths Crust or the Earth's atmosphere. I know the atmosphere contains only .035%, but I can find any info on the amount of CO2 in the Earth's crust.

thanks
Nautica
 
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  • #2
Well, its basically about the element carbon, not gasseous carbon dioxide. The bulk of the carbon is stored on Earth, as forms of limestone or marble, chemically a bond of carbon dioxide and calcium oxide: CO2 + CaO -> CaCO3

This may be a very informative http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/ctec/Carbon/carboncycle.htm [Broken]

However it overlooks one big carbon store: the clathrate on the ocean bottoms, estimated about 11,000 gigatons.

Curiously enough is that the total amount of carbon in the CO2 of the atmosphere of Venus is about the same as all the carbon in the Earth crust.
 
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  • #3
I have seen the numbers on carbon and I understand the relationship. But, I am looking for actual numbers on CO2 in the Earths crust.

thanks
nautica
 
  • #4
Might help if you state your definition of "crust" for this question, and that for carbon dioxide. Including ground water and gases in solution, or not? Including hydrocarbon reservoirs and associated gases, or not? Including gases in soil pore volume, or not?

Physically, the distinction between carbon dioxide in limestone as a distinct chemical species from carbon dioxide dissolved in crustal rock (with a hell of a large heat of solution) doesn't exist.

You're going to be limited to making distinctions among oxidation states of carbon, reduced, elemental, sub-, mon-, or di-oxide --- "free" carbon dioxide in solution in this, that, or the other rock type? Parts per million --- try degassing anything completely, and you'll see. You want to do an assay and MAKE the distinctions among carbon dioxide that is chemically (salts, adsorbed), or physically (whatever that means in this context --- trapped in inclusions) present in rock samples?
 

1. How does the amount of CO2 in the Earth's crust compare to that in the atmosphere?

The amount of CO2 in the Earth's crust is much larger than that in the atmosphere. The Earth's crust contains approximately 100,000 times more CO2 than the atmosphere.

2. What is the role of CO2 in the Earth's crust?

CO2 plays a crucial role in the Earth's crust, as it is a major component of many minerals such as limestone, dolomite, and marble. It also helps regulate the pH of soil and water, making it essential for plant growth.

3. How does CO2 in the Earth's crust affect the carbon cycle?

The carbon cycle is a natural process that regulates the amount of carbon in the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. CO2 in the Earth's crust is released through volcanic activity and weathering of rocks, which contributes to the carbon cycle by adding CO2 to the atmosphere. It is also absorbed through the process of mineralization, where CO2 is incorporated into new minerals.

4. What impact does the extraction of fossil fuels have on the amount of CO2 in the Earth's crust?

The extraction of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, releases large amounts of CO2 that have been stored in the Earth's crust for millions of years. This contributes to the increase in CO2 levels in the atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect and climate change.

5. How can studying CO2 levels in the Earth's crust help us understand climate change?

Studying CO2 levels in the Earth's crust can provide valuable information about the Earth's past climate and how it has changed over time. By analyzing the composition of minerals and rocks, scientists can reconstruct past CO2 levels and understand the impact it has on the Earth's climate. This information can also help predict future climate changes and inform mitigation strategies.

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