A simple model of reaction-induced cracking applied to serpentinization and carbonation of peridotite

Rudge, John F. and Kelemen, Peter B. and Spiegelman, Marc (2010) A simple model of reaction-induced cracking applied to serpentinization and carbonation of peridotite. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 291 (1-4). pp. 215-227. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2010.01.016

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Abstract

During chemical weathering there is the potential for a positive feedback process to occur: Chemical reactions cause volume changes, increasing stresses and potentially fracturing the rock. In turn, these fractures may enhance transport of chemicals through the rock, accelerating the weathering process. An idealised model of this feedback is presented. Simple scaling laws relate the speed of the weathering front to elastic properties, the rate of transport of reactants, and reaction rates. Five different regimes in the model are identified, although only two of these are appropriate for natural systems, where the reaction rate is a key control on the weathering rate. The model is applied to the carbonation and serpentinization of peridotite, chemical weathering processes which have potential industrial application in the storage of CO2. If these weathering processes can be accelerated, CO2 could be stored as carbonates in the peridotite in substantial quantities. This simple model suggests that it may be possible to boost the speed of the weathering front a millionfold by a combination of heating, increased partial pressure of CO2, forced fluid flow, and hydrofracture.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	09AREP; IA59;
Subjects:	01 - Climate Change and Earth-Ocean Atmosphere Systems 02 - Geodynamics, Geophysics and Tectonics
Divisions:	02 - Geodynamics, Geophysics and Tectonics
Journal or Publication Title:	Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Volume:	291
Page Range:	pp. 215-227
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2010.01.016
Depositing User:	Sarah Humbert
Date Deposited:	23 Feb 2010 16:00
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2013 09:56
URI:	http://eprints.esc.cam.ac.uk/id/eprint/1335

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