Carbon on the Coast: Coastal Enhanced Weathering in CA - MAS CSP 2026 Symposium

Item: Carbon on the Coast: Coastal Enhanced Weathering in CA - MAS CSP 2026 Symposium
Rating: 4
Author: PostSingularity Institute

by Ella Coulson

Applied Sciences & Engineering Climate & Ecology RNPPollution and threats to the environment RNPGClimate change

🎙 Ella Coulson 👥 86 📅 June 24, 2026 ⏱ 18 min 👁 55 📄 original study 🧭 2026-08-15

Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

enhanced weatheringcarbon dioxide removalcoastalCaliforniasuitability map

Summary

Ella Coulson presents her capstone project on coastal enhanced weathering (CEW) as a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy for California. She explains the science behind enhanced weathering, where crushed minerals like olivine are spread on coastlines to react with CO2 and form bicarbonate, increasing ocean alkalinity and drawing down atmospheric CO2. The project develops an interactive suitability map for the California coast, using a two-tier framework: Tier 1 assesses implementation feasibility (permitting, environmental constraints) and Tier 2 scores oceanographic drivers affecting carbon removal efficiency (dissolution, residence time, efficiency, storage). The map integrates data on marine protected areas, eelgrass, kelp, and critical habitats, and provides composite suitability scores for coastal segments. Key findings highlight Santa Cruz as a high-suitability area due to favorable wave energy and temperature, while Malibu scores lower. Limitations include data gaps in surf zone observations, unknown relative importance of drivers, and omission of non-physical factors like community consent. Next steps include streamlining permitting, standardizing MRV protocols, community outreach, and pilot projects. The presentation concludes with acknowledgments and a Q&A discussing potential benefits for ocean acidification and marine species.

181 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The presentation provides valuable information on an emerging CDR strategy, offering a novel framework for assessing site suitability. The argumentation is logical, building from the scientific basis of enhanced weathering to the practical implementation challenges. The two-tier framework is well-structured, and the use of an interactive map is an effective tool for visualizing complex data. However, the argumentation relies on assumptions (e.g., equal weighting of drivers) due to limited research, and the presenter acknowledges these uncertainties. The value lies in its contribution to the early-stage evaluation of CEW, but it does not provide conclusive evidence of its effectiveness or safety.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The presentation demonstrates scientific rigor in its methodology, with clear criteria for eligibility and scoring. However, it does not cite specific sources or references, relying on general knowledge and ongoing projects (e.g., in New York and North Carolina). The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on coastal enhanced weathering in California. The lack of explicit citations limits the ability to verify claims, but the presenter’s transparent acknowledgment of limitations and uncertainties enhances credibility. The Q&A section shows engagement with potential ecological impacts, though no specific studies are cited.

203 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on coastal enhanced weathering in California.

Quality & Reliability

7/10

Presentation of an original research project with a clear methodology, but limited peer-reviewed validation and reliance on assumptions due to data gaps.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

Coastal Enhanced Weathering Projects on the East Coast — Mentioned as active projects in New York and North Carolina using olivine.
Open Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement Research at Woods Hole — Referenced in Q&A as ongoing research on alkalinity enhancement.

Concurring Sources

IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land — Discusses land-based carbon dioxide removal options, including enhanced weathering.

Contribution & Novelties

This project provides a novel, spatially explicit framework for assessing the suitability of California’s coastline for coastal enhanced weathering (CEW) as a carbon dioxide removal strategy. It integrates regulatory, ecological, and oceanographic factors into an interactive map, offering a first-step tool for decision-makers. The equal weighting of drivers is a transparent assumption given the lack of empirical data, and the project highlights critical research gaps.

Pour aller plus loin :

Enhanced weathering — Overview of the concept and its applications.
Ocean alkalinity enhancement — Related CDR approach.
California Marine Protected Areas — Context for regulatory constraints.

96 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows balanced scores across information quantity, quality, technical level, and reliability, with a slight emphasis on quality and reliability. This indicates a well-rounded presentation with solid scientific grounding, though technical depth is moderate.

Reliability 7/10

💬 No comments were provided for analysis.