Carbon Sequestration CE 394K.2 Juan Moran-Lopez

Quote of the Day “I’m not a prophet or a stone-age man, just a mortal with potential of a superman. I’m living on. I’m tethered to the logic of homo sapien, can’t take my eyes off the great salvation of (false) faith. If I don’t explain what you ought to know, you can tell me all about it in the next bardo.” —David Bowie

Outline Mechanics of CO2 and climate change Solar Panels Reforestation Conclusion

Radiation Balance http://www.uwsp.edu/gEo/faculty/ritter/images/atmosphere/energy/radiation_balance_usgs_large.jpg

Electromagnetic Radiation

Why CO2? “Water Vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere…”—NCDC Gas removed % Reduction in GE H2O 36% CO2 12% O3 3% Source: Ramanathan and Coakley, Rev. Geophys and Space Phys., 16 465 (1978)

Quantum Mechanics Trans. Rot. Vib. Linear (CO2) 3 2 3N-5 Non-Linear Molecular degrees of freedom Trans. Rot. Vib. Linear (CO2) 3 2 3N-5 Non-Linear (H2O) 3N-6

Effects of CO2 buildup Positive feedback cycle of global warming Acidification of oceans Increase in vegetative growth

Study Area: Austin, TX

Austin Power Production http://www.austinenergy.com/About%20Us/Company%20Profile/powerPlants.htm

Austin Emissions http://www.texasep.org/html/air/air_4iss_txco2.html

Austin and Surrounding Area

Land Use Area (sq ft) Area (sq m) Ideal Solar Panel Area 21236983290 Buildings 734243743.7 6.82E+07 Ideal Reforestation Area 4224320709.35 3.92E+08

Solar Panels Austin irradiance is 5.26 kW-h/m2/day This is a “Good” rating for solar power Estimated Available Area: 68.2 km2 Online Example

Possible Energy Production

Net Primary Productivity

Net Primary Productivity MODIS Land Data 61 km X 61 km Centered at Main Building Lat: 30.286 Long: -97.74

Possible Carbon Sequestration

Conclusions Austin can produce almost 1500 MW-h/day with only 10% of building area covered with solar panels Trees in 20% of open areas can sequester almost 40,000 tons of Carbon per year