The design of pilot scale releases of CO/sub 2/ into the deep ocean

The sequestration of CO/sub 2/ in the deep ocean has been proposed as a way to mitigate potential global climate change. In the past few years many laboratory and modeling studies have been performed on ocean disposal of CO/sub 2/ including the assessment of its environmental impact. However, these studies must be validated/complemented with field studies. As a first step, pilot scale field tests would focus on the various physical-chemical interactions that occur between seawater and CO/sub 2/. In this paper, the authors discuss key issues involved with the design, ocean engineering, measurements, siting, and costs of such pilot scale releases of CO/sub 2/.