George Okoko Studies Basalt for Carbon Sequestration
George Okoko, a researcher at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, is sampling basalt outcrops in Berkeley Heights, N.J. as part of a study on rocks that can potentially absorb carbon emissions. Okoko, a Ph.D. candidate at Columbia University, is focused on finding a modern application for basalt – to permanently store carbon below the seafloor in solid form.
In suburban Berkeley Heights, N.J., Okoko was seen climbing a crumbly cliff to extract basalt rock samples. This basalt formed about 200 million years ago during volcanic eruptions that created the Atlantic Ocean as Europe separated from North America. The exposed outcrop in Berkeley Heights was revealed during construction, allowing researchers like Okoko to study its potential for carbon storage.
Basalt is abundant in New Jersey and believed to extend into the Atlantic seabed. Scientists have been exploring the idea of using basalt formations to help mitigate climate change for over 20 years. Natural reactions between basalt and carbon dioxide can lock carbon into solid minerals, similar to limestone. Okoko and his team are investigating ways to accelerate these reactions for more effective carbon storage.
While studies have shown promising results, further research is needed to characterize basalt formations off the coast of New York and New Jersey. David Goldberg, Okoko’s advisor, leads a project to map and sample these offshore basalts to assess their potential for carbon sequestration.
Key Research Findings
- Basalt underlies New Jersey and extends into the Atlantic seabed.
- Basalt formations can react with carbon dioxide to permanently store carbon.
- Accelerating these reactions could enhance carbon sequestration.
- Offshore basalt reservoirs may provide effective carbon storage solutions for industrial emissions.
