Cited by 2,310Geology and Paleoclimatology ResearchEarth Systems and Cosmic EvolutionClimate variability and models

A negative feedback mechanism for the long‐term stabilization of Earth's surface temperature

Walker, James C. G., Hays, P. B., Kasting, J. F.·1981·Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans

Abstract

We suggest that the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is buffered, over geological time scales, by a negative feedback mechanism in which the rate of weathering of silicate minerals (followed by deposition of carbonate minerals) depends on surface temperature, and surface temperature, in turn, depends on carbon dioxide partial pressure through the greenhouse effect. Although the quantitative details of this mechanism are speculative, it appears able partially to stabilize earth's surface temperature against the steady increase of solar luminosity believed to have occurred since the origin of the solar system.

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Crossref · 10.1029/jc086ic10p09776

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32 of 32 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • The net consumption of CO2 in acid weathering of continents or the seafloor ends up making carbonates.

    “First, the net consumption of CO2 in acid weathering of continents or the seafloor ends up making carbonates (174)”

    From The Archean atmosphere (2020) · cites this paper as [174]

  • Two negative feedbacks potentially control long-term pCO2.

    “Potentially, two negative feedbacks control long-term pCO2.”

    From The Archean atmosphere (2020) · cites this paper as [174]

  • We would expect Archean pCO2 to have been high because of Earth's carbonate-silicate cycle thermostat.

    “We would expect Archean pCO2 to have been high because of Earth’s carbonate-silicate cycle thermostat (Eq. 2) (174).”

    From The Archean atmosphere (2020) · cites this paper as [174]

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Authors
Walker, J. C. G., Hays, P. B., & Kasting, J. F.
Affiliations
  • University of Michigan (US)
  • NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (US)
Venue
Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans
Published
1981-10-20
Volume
86
Issue
C10
Pages
9776-9782
ISSN
0148-0227 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2097828895
Cited by
2,310
References
34
Citations by year
2026: 119 · 2025: 148 · 2024: 141 · 2023: 159 · 2022: 116 · 2021: 128 · 2020: 146 · 2019: 124 · 2018: 99 · 2017: 75 · 2016: 71 · 2015: 82 · 2014: 77 · 2013: 76 · 2012: 57
FWCI
10.64
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Atmospheric Science › Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Atmospheric Science › Earth Systems and Cosmic Evolution
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Climate variability and models
Keywords
negative feedback loop, silicate weathering, carbonate sedimentation, greenhouse effect, carbon cycle

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