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ESE/Ge 21
Tutorial: Biogeochemistry of Carbon Sequestration
9 units (2-0-7)  | first term
The impact of greenhouse gases on Earth's climate has led to development of a variety of strategies for sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. These include pumping carbon dioxide into geologic reservoirs or ultramafic rocks, stimulating biospheric growth, enhanced mineral weathering, soil carbon accumulation, biomass burial on land or at sea, and others. We will examine these strategies in detail, looking at both the science and technology that enable them to work, as well as their potential biogeochemical ramifications for Earth's global systems if pursued at scale. The class is structured as a tutorial, in which small groups of students meet individually with the instructor, and topics are presented by the students. Each student will write papers, give presentations, and lead discussions on 3 topics throughout the term. Course will be limited to 12 participants, who will be selected at the start of the term based on background, interests, and willingness to commit to the entire term. Undergrads only. Fulfills the Institute scientific writing requirement.
Instructor: Sessions