Capturing the greenhouse gang
Glossary
aquifer. A layer of rock or sediment underground that holds a substantial source of water.
carbon-fixing organisms. Organisms that remove and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis.
carbonation. The reaction between a substance and carbon dioxide to form a carbonate. For example, naturally occurring mineral silicates react with carbon dioxide to form a stable mineral carbonate.
enhanced greenhouse effect. An increase in the natural process of the greenhouse effect, brought about by human activities, whereby greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbons and nitrous oxide are being released into the atmosphere at a far greater rate than would occur through natural processes and thus their concentrations are increasing. Also called anthropogenic greenhouse effect or climate change.
impermeable. A substance that cannot be penetrated. A rock or material that stops the movement of water or other liquids through it.
phytoplankton. Microscopic, photosynthetic algae that live in water. Plant-like plankton.
sequester. To store something so that it is no longer available. Carbon sequestration involves the removal or storage of carbon dioxide so that it can't be released into the atmosphere.
supercritical fluid. A substance that when placed under a certain temperature and pressure acts like both a liquid and a gas. Carbon dioxide stored underground as a supercritical fluid diffuses like a gas with a liquid-like density.
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Posted July 2008.