A groundbreaking new study has revealed that underwater volcanic rocks could be the key to capturing gigatons of carbon and reducing the impact of climate change. Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered that seafloor basalts, also known as underwater volcanic rocks, have the ability to react with carbon dioxide in seawater and transform it into a solid mineral. This process, known as mineral carbonation, can help to lock away carbon dioxide for millions of years, essentially removing it from the atmosphere.

Scientists estimate that there are over 100,000 square kilometers of seafloor basalts in the world's oceans, which could potentially capture up to 4 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. This is equivalent to the annual emissions from the entire transportation sector.

This discovery could provide a cost-effective solution for capturing carbon dioxide and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The process of capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere has historically been expensive and inefficient, but this new approach using seafloor basalts could offer a more sustainable solution. Additionally, the captured carbon could potentially be used in the production of building materials, offering further benefits.

While further research is necessary to fully understand the potential of seafloor basalts as a carbon capture solution, this study offers hope in the fight against climate change. As the world continues to search for sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this discovery could be a significant step forward.