Scientists Unveil Stunning ‘Liquid Fireworks’ from Unmixable Fluids

Speedy Summary

• Scientists conducted computer simulations to examine how two immiscible fluids (e.g., oil and water) interact when they have differing viscosities, creating “finger-like” patterns known as Saffman-Taylor instability.
• These fluid interactions could inform strategies for storing carbon dioxide underground as part of carbon sequestration efforts to combat climate change.
• The study demonstrated that controlling injection timing and methods can considerably influence the extent of these “fingers,” potentially improving the capture of CO₂ gas and preventing its escape back into the atmosphere.
• Carbon sequestration projects globally now include 50 operational facilities, with 44 under construction and 534 in growth (as of 2024), according to the Global CCS Institute.

Image captions:

1. Computer simulations showing immiscible fluid interactions creating distinct patterns. (Image credit: Chi-Chian Chou et al.)

!Fluid Fireworks

1. Exmaple of Saffman-Taylor instability creating ridges in a thin film. (Image credit: Claire Trease)

!Pattern example

Indian Opinion Analysis

This research advances technologies critical for combating climate change by optimizing carbon sequestration processes – an urgent global priority for reducing atmospheric CO₂. For India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and among those grappling with severe air pollution challenges, such innovations could play a pivotal role in meeting emissions reduction targets under international agreements like COP26.

While India is still exploring large-scale deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS), understanding efficient methods like those suggested in this study could provide scientific insights beneficial to future infrastructure planning. Adopting advanced CCS systems may also enable India to align industrial growth with sustainability goals,ensuring environmental balance without hindering development-a critical issue for a nation balancing economic aspirations with ecological obligation.

Read more: Trippy liquid fireworks appear when scientists try to mix unmixable fluids