This is an archival representation of v1.2 of this pathway. View the latest version here.
CDR Verification Framework
This is an interactive tool for understanding Verification Confidence Levels (VCLs) for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) by mapping key uncertainties for different CDR pathways. Developed in collaboration between CarbonPlan and Frontier. Read the explainer article, the Frontier post, or methods for more detail.

Enhanced Weathering
v1.2
VCL
3


Component
Uncertainty
Mineral application
Mineral weathering
Non-carbonic acid neutralization
Secondary mineral formation
Terrestrial carbonate precipitation
Leakage
Marine carbonate precipitation
Change in agricultural lime use
Soil carbon impacts
Materials
Energy
Change in fertilizer use
Reduction in N₂O emissions
Terrestrial carbonate durability
DIC residence time
Marine carbonate durability
Enhanced Weathering
v1.2
VCL
3
Enhanced weathering (EW) is a process that speeds up the chemical reactions between rocks, water, and air to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. Here, we specifically consider EW performed by spreading finely ground rock on agricultural soils. This pathway is VCL 3, meaning that current quantification capacity can establish net carbon removal occurred, but significant uncertainties remain. You can learn about how this pathway has been updated since initial publication here. View pathway documentation.
Total Carbon RemovalCO₂e
=DrawdownCO₂e - EmissionsCO₂e
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Materials
Energy
Project activity
Mineral application
Mineral weathering
Terrestrial carbonate precipitation
Alkalinity run-off
Terrestrial carbonate durability
Leakage
Ocean storage
DIC residence time
Marine carbonate precipitation
Marine carbonate durability
Change in agricultural lime use
Soil carbon impacts
Change in fertilizer use
Reduction in N₂O emissions
Non-carbonic acid neutralization
Secondary mineral formation