Oman's Samail Ophiolite Revealed as World's Most Significant Natural Carbon Sink, Study Finds

A new study published in Nature Communications has found that the Samail Ophiolite in Oman may capture up to 90% of carbon entering subduction zones, far more than previously estimated.

• The study, published in Nature Communications, analyzed trace elements in listvenite rocks from the Ophiolite to trace ancient carbon movement.
• Dr. Eliot Carter of the University of Manchester stated that the observed carbon sequestration rate ranges from 17 to 34 million tonnes per year.
• Carter said that the carbon stored in the mantle rocks may represent up to 90% of total carbon entering subduction zones globally.
• Carter added that the findings could inform future research on using rocks for permanent carbon capture to mitigate climate change.