Model/Simulator: The Geologic Carbon Cycle and Earth’s Climate

A model/simulator to learn about the geologic carbon cycle and its role in stabilizing the Earth’s climate.

Students will run the model after configuring parameters such as the CO2 degassing rate, the existence of land plants, and the relative land areas. They will observe and analyze plots that show the weathering rate of CO2 uptake, CO2 degassing rates, CaCO3 weathering and burial rates in the ocean, and ocean chemistry.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. What is the Earth’s silicate thermostat?
  2. How does carbon cycle between the lithosphere and the atmosphere through volcanic degassing and weathering?

About the Tool

Tool Name GEOCARB Geologic Carbon Cycle
Discipline Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in Discipline Carbon Cycle, Geologic Carbon Cycle, Volcanic Degassing, Weathering Reaction
Climate Topic Long-term Cycles and Feedback Mechanisms
Type of Tool Model/Simulator
Grade Level Undergraduate
Location  Global
Language English
Translation
Developed by David Archer
Hosted at The University of Chicago
Link http://climatemodels.uchicago.edu/geocarb/geocarb.doc.html
Access Online
Computer Skills Intermediate

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