A paradigm-shifting discovery from the University of Dundee is set to rewrite geology textbooks, proving that the solid rocks beneath our feet can form in a matter of decades, not the millions of years previously assumed.
The research, led by Professor Stuart Haszeldine, observed man-made ‘seam’ of rock forming with astonishing speed in a Scottish quarry. This process, which mirrors how natural carbon-rich rocks like limestone are created, was found to be drastically accelerated.
How Decades Replace Millennia
The traditional view of geology is one of almost unimaginably slow processes. This new evidence turns that notion on its head. The team discovered that when mineral-rich water flows through fractured rock and meets a specific chemical trigger, it can precipitate a cement-like substance that binds everything together into solid stone with incredible speed.
The study identified two key factors that act as a catalyst for rapid rock formation:
- Chemical Cocktail: The precise mixture of dissolved minerals in the water.
- Environmental Conditions: Specific levels of acidity and temperature that act as a switch for rapid cementation.
Implications for Our Climate Future
This breakthrough is far more than an academic curiosity; it is a potential game-changer in the fight against climate change. The technology that underpins Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) relies on safely locking away CO₂ as solid rock, a process known as mineralisation.
‘This is a complete change of mind,’ said Professor Haszeldine. The research demonstrates that engineered carbon storage sites could become sealed, stable geological formations within a human lifetime, not an abstract future millennium. This provides much stronger guarantees for the safety and permanence of sequestered carbon dioxide.
The Road Ahead
This discovery opens up thrilling new avenues for scientific and environmental engineering. By understanding and replicating the precise ‘recipe’ for rapid rock formation, we could significantly enhance the security and efficiency of carbon capture technologies.
It offers a tangible and optimistic vision for actively repairing our planet, suggesting that we can work with geological processes on a human timescale to combat the climate crisis.
