Scientists in UK uncover Oman rocks that trap over one billion tons of CO2 for climate benefit

WHO: Researchers from Keele University, The University of Manchester, and the University of Ottawa.

WHAT: A study of the Semail Ophiolite rock formation and its role in sequestering carbon dioxide.

WHERE: Oman, specifically the Semail Ophiolite geological site.

WHEN: Findings published on 10 March 2026.

WHY: To understand how subduction zones trap carbon and how this could help humans store CO2 in the future.

New research into carbon-trapping rocks CO2 storage reveals Earth has been hiding a massive natural filter for millions of years.

As the world gets warmer, everyone is looking for a way to suck carbon out of the sky. It turns out our planet has been doing exactly that in secret for a very long time.

Scientists have been studying a strange set of rocks in Oman to see how they work. These rocks act like a giant sponge that soaks up carbon dioxide and turns it into stone.

The billion ton discovery

Experts from the University of Manchester and Keele University say one specific formation has naturally stored over one billion tons of CO2. That is a mind-blowing amount of greenhouse gas locked away forever.

The rocks are part of something called an ophiolite. These were once deep under the ocean but were pushed to the surface where we can finally study them.

Ninety per cent of carbon locked away

The team discovered that when tectonic plates collide, they act like a massive conveyor belt for carbon. Their data suggests that over 90% of the CO2 in the sinking plate can be channelled into the mantle and locked away.

This carbon is turned into minerals called carbonates. Instead of floating in the air and warming the planet, the carbon stays stuck in the ground for millions of years.

Using a chemical fingerprint

To figure this out, scientists had to look at microscopic crystals inside the rocks. They used "chemical fingerprints" left behind by elements like chlorine and iodine.

These tiny clues allowed them to track at least two separate events where the rocks gobbled up carbon. It proves that these deep-earth reactions are a vital part of keeping our climate stable.

A lesson for the future

Lead author Dr Elliot Carter says zooming into these crystals gave them the key to the story. These strange rocks could show us how humans can store our own carbon emissions in the future.

By understanding how Earth moves carbon around, we can build better technology to copy it. This discovery is a huge step in seeing the planet as an active partner in the fight against climate change.

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OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This report is based on official data from University Newsroom. Document: Carbon-trapping rocks demonstrate Earth’s natural ability to store carbon dioxide Source Link: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/carbon-trapping-rocks-demonstrate-earths-natural-ability-to-store-carbon-dioxide/