Earth climate today, in the geological past and in the future is closely linked to the silica-carbon cycle, however many aspects of this feedback are still unknown, especially in the marine realm. I’m fascinated how small-scale mineral-water reactions (silicate weathering) can change ocean chemistry, impact the global carbon cycle and by that Earth’s climate. I’m using stable isotopes as tool box to identify the formation and destruction of silicate minerals on the seafloor and quantify the impact on oceanic element cycles.

The potential of silicate weathering was also recognized as a way to reduce atmospheric CO₂ (carbon dioxide removal, CDR) by enhanced mineral addition to the ocean. I’m glad that I can apply my knowledge of natural silicate weathering to the field of CDR as one potential way to mitigate climate change.