Maximizing the detectability of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) while
minimizing its exposure risks: Insights from a numerical study
Abstract
Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) can potentially remove gigatons of
CO2 from the atmosphere for durable storage in the ocean. Before
implementing OAE at climate-relevant scales, questions about its safety
and verifiability must be addressed. Operational deployment poses a
dilemma between pursuing large detectability, essential for effective
monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), and ensuring
environmental safety and satisfying regulatory requirements. In this
study, we present a computationally efficient approach, based on a
high-resolution, coupled circulation-dissolution model of Halifax
Harbour, to simulating the addition, transportation, dissolution, and
sinking of various theoretical alkaline feedstocks for different
dosages, seasons, and addition sites. Detectability and exposure risk of
OAE are quantified and an approach for optimizing OAE deployment is
demonstrated. Mean residence times (MRT) are calculated for different
subregions and seasons. Results show that for a given amount of
feedstock, summer is more favourable from the perspective of
detectability but also creates higher exposure risks than other seasons
because of a longer MRT. The exposure risk can be mitigated while
maintaining large detectability by choosing optimal feedstocks with
different characteristics for different seasons. The exposure risk can
also be reduced by spreading alkalinity over multiple addition sites.
The optimum allocation, where the largest detectability is sought
without violating regulatory requirements, is specific to each season,
dosage, and choice of feedstock. OAE deployments should be tailored
taking into account local hydrography, season, dosage, and feedstock
characteristics. Our approach provides a practical avenue for optimizing
deployments.