Researchers show accelerating carbon dioxide release from rocks in Arctic Canada with global warming

University of Oxford scientists have found that warming in the Canadian Arctic could greatly increase CO₂ release from rocks, adding to climate change. As temperatures rise, rocks in the Mackenzie River Basin undergo faster weathering, particularly in sulfide-rich minerals, which react with oxygen to release CO₂. The study showed that over the past 60 years, CO₂ release from these reactions has increased 45% as temperatures rose 2.3°C. This rapid weathering could lead to a "positive feedback loop," where warming leads to even more CO₂ release.

Researchers used data from 23 sites across the Mackenzie River Basin, finding that CO₂ release could double to 3 billion kilograms per year by 2100. Some areas, like mountainous regions with exposed rocks and permafrost, were especially sensitive to temperature increases, while peat-covered areas saw lower CO₂ release because peat insulates the rocks below. Scientists suggest peatland growth might help slow down CO₂ release.

The study underscores the importance of including rock weathering in climate models, as Arctic landscapes are especially vulnerable to warming. The research was published in *Science Advances* and highlights the urgent need to manage CO₂ release from natural sources as global temperatures rise.