Nuclear Explosions for Large Scale Carbon Sequestration

TL;DR

This paper proposes using controlled underground nuclear explosions in seabeds to accelerate basalt weathering for large-scale carbon sequestration, aiming to significantly reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, radical approach of employing nuclear detonations for enhanced rock weathering to combat climate change, detailing feasibility and safety considerations.

Findings

Feasibility of using nuclear explosions for basalt pulverization

Potential for large-scale carbon sequestration through ERW

Analysis of safety, ecological, and political factors

Abstract

Confronting the escalating threat of climate change requires innovative and large-scale interventions. This paper presents a bold proposal to employ a buried nuclear explosion in a remote basaltic seabed for pulverizing basalt, thereby accelerating carbon sequestration through Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW). By precisely locating the explosion beneath the seabed, we aim to confine debris, radiation, and energy while ensuring rapid rock weathering at a scale substantial enough to make a meaningful dent in atmospheric carbon levels. Our analysis outlines the parameters essential for efficient carbon capture and minimal collateral effects, emphasizing that a yield on the order of gigatons is critical for global climate impact. Although this approach may appear radical, we illustrate its feasibility by examining safety factors, preservation of local ecosystems, political considerations, and financial viability. This work argues for reimagining nuclear technology not merely as a destructive force but as a potential catalyst for decarbonization, thereby inviting further exploration of pioneering solutions in the fight against climate change.