Reply to Schuiling et al.: Different processes at work

Abstract

Schuiling et al. (1) question our conclusion (2) that the annual dissolution rate of olivine is limited by the saturation of waters with silicic acid (H4SiO4), which is one product of the dissolution reaction of olivine. In support of this point they discuss findings of CO2 sequestration in a mine in Yukon, Canada, claiming that a minimum of 1,700 g C m−2 y−1 was sequestered between 1978 and 2004 by silicate weathering and precipitation of (mainly) magnesium carbonates (3). This value is approximately …