ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov 3, 2005 -- UPI

 

Some scientists propose capturing carbon dioxide and injecting it into the ocean to cut global warming -- but a Michigan scientist questions the theory.

The plan involves capturing carbon dioxide as it's emitted from power plants, then liquefying the gas and injecting it into the ocean.

Small-scale ocean experiments have been conducted, but not with good results since they are too costly and time-consuming to carry out under a wide range of ocean conditions.

A theoretical model developed by University of Michigan geology professor Youxue Zhang can be used to explore the fate of CO2 injected into oceans under various temperature and pressure conditions. Zhang's model shows liquid CO2 must be injected to a depth of as much as two miles to prevent escape.

Eruptions from injected CO2 are a serious concern. A CO2-driven 1986 eruption in Cameroon's Lake Nyos killed 1,700 people; two years earlier, a smaller release from Lake Monoun in Cameroon killed 37 people. The deaths were not directly caused by explosions, but resulted from carbon dioxide asphyxiation.

Zhang's most recent work appeared in the Oct.1 issue of the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

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