Carbon Sequestration - 10 of 15

Carbon Sequestration FAQs - 15 Found

What are the next steps for USGS in regard to geologic carbon sequestration? 

After the 2013 national assessment of geologic carbon sequestration was released, USGS turned attention to the following areas of research:

  • Economic Aspects: The 2013 national geologic carbon sequestration assessment, although going further than all previous assessments in considering the viability of sequestration, was only for technically accessible carbon storage potential. It did not include economic considerations. Including economic aspects is an important next step in the further evaluation of the United States’ carbon storage potential.

  • Geologic Research: Significant additional information is needed on geological parameters to ensure safe and long-term storage of CO2.  The USGS plans to investigate the effects of subsurface CO2 injection on water and rock chemistry for geologic CO2 sequestration, enhanced oil and gas recovery, and naturally occurring CO2 reservoirs.

  • Induced Seismicity: Because geologic carbon sequestration usually involves the injection of liquid CO2 at high pressure, there could be a potential for induced seismicity similar to other observed cases when fluids were injected near fault zones.  It is important that the USGS study this aspect of carbon sequestration so as to help understand what might cause felt earthquakes in order to manage or prevent them in the future.

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