Carbonate Mineral Dissolution and Its Carbon Sink Effect in Chinese Loess

Abstract

The relationship between the source and sink of atmospheric CO2 has always been a widely discussed issue in global climate change research. Recent studies revealed that the chemical weathering of carbonate rocks contributed to 1/3 (~0.5 Pg C/yr) of the missing carbon sinks (MCS) globally, and there are still 2/3 of MCS (~0.5 Pg C/yr) that need to be explored. As one of the main overburdened parts of the earth, loess is one of the important driving factors for atmospheric CO2 consumption. Here, we elaborated on the dissolution process and the carbon sink effect from carbonate and silicate minerals in loess. The relationship between carbonate dissolution and carbon source/sink is elucidated, and the mechanism of carbon sink formation from secondary carbonates in loess is clarified. Additionally, the commonly used methods for the identification of primary and secondary carbonates are summarized, and the methods for the study of loess carbon sinks and the influencing factors of loess carbon sinks are also revealed. Based on the research results and progress interpretations, the prospects of loess carbon sinks are discussed to provide a scientific basis for further research on loess carbon sinks.

Keywords

• loess
• carbonate minerals
• atmospheric CO₂
• carbon sink effect