On the Role of Density‐Driven Dissolution of CO ₂ in Phreatic Karst Systems

Density-driven dissolution of carbon dioxide in water is a well-known and much described mechanism geological sequestration this greenhouse gas. It remarkable that such enhanced does not receive attention karst hydrology speleology. Models hypotheses on development are complex consider many different processes. We focus here the influence CO2 partial gas pressures at interface between atmosphere dynamics dissolved concentrations below table. Seasonal variations microbial soil activity root respiration or barometric-pressure changes cause fluctuations pressures. Dependent existence strength karst-water background flow, fingering regimes might be triggered causing CO2. This allows replenishment CO2, and, thus, dissolutional power even deep body without need for percolating to transport present discuss simplified generic experimental computational scenarios strengthen our claim, we try give answers to: how much? under which circumstances? The applied numerical model solves Navier-Stokes equation with density dependent concentration temperature. show calculated mass fluxes into bodies ratio Péclet Rayleigh numbers (Pe/Ra) local minimum around Pe/Ra = 1, i.e. when natural forced convection about equal. Concluding, claim there sufficient reason density-driven as process relevance karstification if circumstances given.