Ars Technica
Feedbacks upon feedbacks: Rock weathering and the climate
Friday, June 26, 2026
# Rock Weathering and Carbon Dioxide Levels
Rock weathering affects atmospheric carbon dioxide levels through different chemical processes depending on the rock type. Some rocks release carbon dioxide when they weather, while others absorb it from the atmosphere. Scientists study these processes to understand their role in long-term climate cycles. The net effect of global rock weathering on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels depends on the composition and distribution of rocks undergoing weathering.