Weathering is a natural process that happens when rocks break down physically, chemically or biologically into small fragments. In the case of Silicate rocks, which make up up to 95% of the higher layers of the our planet, when these rocks break down, those smaller fragments react with CO₂ in the air and water to produce a new mineral, Bicarbonate (HCO3), which then travels into the ocean to remain there for hundreds of thousands of years. Therefore weathering of silicate rocks is a natural process of carbon capture and storage.

Enhanced weathering is the acceleration of this natural process to achieve in a shorter period more capture of CO₂. Currently, enhanced weathering works by first mining the minerals, grinding them into fine fragments and spreading them on land, like crop fields.

The main potential benefit from enhanced weathering is the rapid capture and storage of CO₂. Other advantages are potential improvement in crop yields, making oceans less acidic leading towards protection of marine life like corals. Although the advantages are substantial, this carbon capture technology requires of more research, since high energy costs of the process of grinding and transporting the rocks could hinder its mass adoption and implementation.