Volatile Fluxes Research Articles

Evaluating Earth degassing in subduction zones by measuring helium fluxes from the ocean floor

Volatiles are lost from the Earth's mantle to the atmosphere, hydrosphere and the crust through subaerial and submarine volcanism. Quantifying the volatile sources bears fundamental information on a number of issues in Earth sciences, from the evolution of the atmosphere and oceans to the nature of chemical heterogeneity of the Earth's mantle. The primordial noble gas isotope 3He provides an unambiguous measure of the volatile flux from the mantle, yet so far in the ocean region; it has been only measured at a mid-ocean ridge. Here, we present original measurements of the 3He flux at the Mid-Okinawa Trough back-arc basin. The 3He flux was estimated from 3He/ 20Ne vertical profiles measured in deep-sea sediment pore water. Diffusive 3He fluxes vary from 1.6 3He atoms cm −2 s −1 at the hydrothermally active Izena Cauldron to 0.57 3He atoms cm −2 s −1 at the background site, 13 km away. These values are about 20% of the 3He flux measured at the East Pacific Rise, supporting the never−proven hypothesis that 3He mantle flux from subduction zones is a quarter of that at MOR. Measured ocean−floor 4He flux ranges from 3.3 × 10 5 to 4.8 × 10 5 4He atoms cm −2 s −1, higher than that measured worldwide, suggesting that 4He flux at subduction zones might have been previously underestimated.

A total volatile inventory for Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua

We present results from a campaign in March 2009 to assess the current state of emissions from Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua. These results constitute one of the most comprehensive inventories to date of emissions from an active volcano and update the exceptional record of emissions from Masaya. Results from open‐path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and filter packs demonstrate that, in terms of H2O, SO2, CO2, HCl, and HF (molar H2O/SO2 = 63, CO2/SO2 = 2.7, SO2/HCl = 1.7, SO2/HF = 8.8), the 2009 gas composition was highly comparable to that from the 1998 to 2000 period, indicating stability of the shallow magma system. This continuity extends to certain aerosol species (molar SO2/SO42− = 190, Na+/SO42− = 0.68, K+/SO42− = 0.71, Ca2+/SO42− = 1.6 × 10−2, Mg2+/SO42− = 3.6 × 10−3) and, to a lesser extent, the heavy halogens (i.e., molar HCl/HBr = 2.4 × 103, HCl/HI = 5.0 × 104). In contrast to an earlier study at Masaya, we did not detect HNO3. SO2 fluxes were low (690 Mg d−1), suggesting that Masaya was close to the minimum of its degassing cycle. By combining compositional results with the SO2 flux, we estimate a total volatile flux of 14,000 Mg d−1. This rate is consistent with 1−4 wt% volatile loss from a convective magma flux of 17,000–4000 kg s−1. These results will allow for a better understanding of degassing processes at Masaya and other basaltic volcanoes.

Transient surface liquid in Titan’s polar regions from Cassini

Cassini RADAR images of Titan’s south polar region acquired during southern summer contain lake features which disappear between observations. These features show a tenfold increases in backscatter cross-section between images acquired one year apart, which is inconsistent with common scattering models without invoking temporal variability. The morphologic boundaries are transient, further supporting changes in lake level. These observations are consistent with the exposure of diffusely scattering lakebeds that were previously hidden by an attenuating liquid medium. We use a two-layer model to explain backscatter variations and estimate a drop in liquid depth of approximately 1-m-per-year. On larger scales, we observe shoreline recession between ISS and RADAR images of Ontario Lacus, the largest lake in Titan’s south polar region. The recession, occurring between June 2005 and July 2009, is inversely proportional to slopes estimated from altimetric profiles and the exponential decay of near-shore backscatter, consistent with a uniform reduction of 4 ± 1.3 m in lake depth. Of the potential explanations for observed surface changes, we favor evaporation and infiltration. The disappearance of dark features and the recession of Ontario’s shoreline represents volatile transport in an active methane-based hydrologic cycle. Observed loss rates are compared and shown to be consistent with available global circulation models. To date, no unambiguous changes in lake level have been observed between repeat images in the north polar region, although further investigation is warranted. These observations constrain volatile flux rates in Titan’s hydrologic system and demonstrate that the surface plays an active role in its evolution. Constraining these seasonal changes represents the first step toward our understanding of longer climate cycles that may determine liquid distribution on Titan over orbital time periods.

The 40Ar/39Ar and U/Pb dating of young rhyolites in the Kos‐Nisyros volcanic complex, Eastern Aegean Arc, Greece: Age discordance due to excess 40Ar in biotite

High‐precision dating of Quaternary silicic magmas in the active Kos‐Nisyros volcanic center (Aegean Arc, Greece) by both 40Ar/39Ar on biotite and U/Pb on zircon reveals a complex geochronological story. U/Pb ID‐TIMS multi and single‐grain zircon analyses from 3 different units (Agios Mammas and Zini domes, Kefalos Serie pyroclasts) range in age from 0.3 to 0.5 to 10–20 Ma. The youngest dates provide the maximum eruption age, while the oldest zircons indicate inheritance from local continental crust (Miocene and older). Step‐heating 40Ar/39Ar experiments on 1–3 crystals of fresh biotite yielded highly disturbed Ar‐release patterns with plateau ages typically older than most U/Pb ages. These old plateau ages are probably not a consequence of inheritance from xenocrystic biotites because Ar diffuses extremely fast at magmatic temperatures and ratios are reset within a few days. On the basis of (1) elevated and/or imprecise 40Ar/36Ar ratios, (2) shapes of the Ar release spectra, and (3) a high mantle 3He flux in the Kos‐Nisyros area, we suggest that biotite crystals retained some mantle 40Ar that led to the observed, anomalously old ages. In contrast, sanidine crystals from the only sanidine‐bearing unit in the Kos‐Nisyros volcanic center (the caldera‐forming Kos Plateau Tuff) do not appear to store any excess 40Ar relative to atmospheric composition. The eastern edge of the Aegean Arc is tectonically complex, undergoing rapid extension and located close to a major structural boundary. In such regions, which are characterized by high fluxes of mantle volatiles, 40Ar/39Ar geochronology on biotite can lead to erroneous results due to the presence of excess 40Ar and should be checked either against 40Ar/39Ar sanidine or U/Pb zircon ages.

Semianalytical Model Predicting Transfer of Volatile Pollutants from Groundwater to the Soil Surface

Volatilization of toxic organic contaminants from groundwater to the soil surface is often considered an important pathway in risk analysis. Most of the risk models use simplified linear solutions that may overpredict the volatile flux. Although complex numerical models have been developed, their use is restricted to experienced users and for sites where field data are known in great detail. We present here a novel semianalytical model running on a spreadsheet that simulates the volatilization flux and vertical concentration profile in a soil based on the Van Genuchten functions. These widely used functions describe precisely the gas and water saturations and movement in the capillary fringe. The analytical model shows a good accuracy over several orders of magnitude when compared to a numerical model and laboratory data. The effect of barometric pumping is also included in the semianalytical formulation, although the model predicts that barometric pumping is often negligible. A sensitivity study predicts significant fluxes in sandy vadose zones and much smaller fluxes in other soils. Fluxes are linked to the dimensionless Henry's law constant H for H < 0.2 and increase by approximately 20% when temperature increases from 5 to 25 degrees C.

Insights into silicic melt generation using plagioclase, quartz and melt inclusions from the caldera-forming Rotoiti eruption, Taupo volcanic zone, New Zealand

The Rotoiti (~120 km3) and Earthquake Flat (~10 km3) eruptions occurred in close succession from the Okataina Volcanic Centre at ~50 ka. While accessory mineral geochronology points to long periods of crystallization prior to eruption (104–105 years) and separate thermal histories for the magmas, little was known about the rates and processes of the final melt production and eruption. Crystal zoning patterns in plagioclase and quartz reveal the thermal and compositional history of the magmatic system leading up to the eruption. The dominant modal phase, plagioclase, displays considerable within-crystal zonation: An37–74, ~40–227 ppm MgO, 45–227 ppm TiO2, 416–910 ppm Sr and 168–1164 ppm Ba. Resorption horizons in the crystals are marked by sharp increases (10–30%) in Sr, MgO and XAn that reflect changes in melt composition and are consistent with open system processes. Melt inclusions display further evidence for open system behaviour, some are depleted in Sr and Ba relative to accompanying matrix glass not consistent with crystallization of modal assemblage. MI also display a wide range in XH2O that is consistent with volatile fluxing. Quartz CL images reveal zoning that is truncated by resorption, and accompanied by abrupt increases in Ti concentration (30–80 ppm) that reflect temperature increases ~50–110°C. Diffusion across these resorption horizons is restricted to zones of <20 μm, suggesting most crystallization within the magma occurred in <2000 years. These episodes are brief compared to the longevity (104–105 year) of the crystal mush zones. All textural and compositional features observed within the quartz and plagioclase crystals are best explained by periodic mafic intrusions repeatedly melting parts of a crystal-rich zone and recharging the system with silicic melt. These periodic influxes of silicic melt would have accumulated to form the large volume of magma that fed the caldera-forming Rotoiti eruption.

Metallogenic model and prognosis of the Shuiyindong super-large strata-bound Carlin-type gold deposit, southwestern Guizhou Province, China

The Shuiyindong deposit is one of the largest (more than 100 tonnes of Au) and highest grade (more than 7×10−6–10×10−6), strata-bound Carlin-type gold deposits in southwestern Guizhou Province, China. The deposit is controlled by both structure and favorable lithology. It is situated near the axis of the striking Huijiabao anticline and is hosted in bioclastic limestone of the Permian Longtan Formation. Gold mineralization occurred under low temperature with T h of 220°C ± and is closely associated with decarbonation, silicification, sulfidation and dolomitization. The deposit has a characteristic elemental assemblage of Au-As-Hg-Tl. Studies of geochemistry and isotope compositions indicated that the ore-bearing materials and fluids of the gold deposit mainly originated from a plutonic source, and possess a mixing feature with the strata matter during transportation from mantle to crust. Fluid inclusions in vein quartz from the gold deposit are rich in volatile flux, indicating that metallogenic fluid is an overpressured one. The activity and geothermal state of the Earth’s crust in the long period of time are favorable for the formation of overpressured fluids in a large area, and extensive structures would drive the fluids into ore-forming system and make gold deposits formed. The complexity of structural movement in the upper crust of southwestern Guizhou Province resulted in complicated gold mineralization. Through metallogenic prognosis and exploration, the proven reserves of the deposit increased by tens of tonnes of Au and the deposit has become a super-large strata-bound Carlin-type gold deposit.

Liquid Oxide Flow during Oxidation of Zirconium Diboride-Silicon Carbide Ultra High Temperature Ceramics

Recent ideas on the oxidation of ZrB2-SiC are presented, emphasizing the behavior of the boria-silica-zirconia liquid (BSZ liquid) which forms during oxidation and flows to transport silica and zirconia to the surface of the scale. Oxide film microstructure is strongly influenced by the boron oxide, which acts as a volatile flux.

Deep pooling of low degree melts and volatile fluxes at the 85°E segment of the Gakkel Ridge: Evidence from olivine-hosted melt inclusions and glasses

We present new analyses of volatile, major, and trace elements for a suite of glasses and melt inclusions from the 85°E segment of the ultra-slow spreading Gakkel Ridge. Samples from this segment include limu o pele and glass shards, proposed to result from CO 2-driven explosive activity. The major element and volatile compositions of the melt inclusions are more variable and consistently more primitive than the glass data. CO 2 contents in the melt inclusions extend to higher values (167–1596 ppm) than in the co-existing glasses (187–227 ppm), indicating that the melt inclusions were trapped at greater depths. These melt inclusions record the highest CO 2 melt concentrations observed for a ridge environment. Based on a vapor saturation model, we estimate that the melt inclusions were trapped between seafloor depths (∼ 4 km) and ∼ 9 km below the seafloor. However, the glasses are all in equilibrium with their eruption depths, which is inconsistent with the rapid magma ascent rates expected for explosive activity. Melting conditions inferred from thermobarometry suggest relatively deep (25–40 km) and cold (1240°–1325 °C) melting conditions, consistent with a thermal structure calculated for the Gakkel Ridge. The water contents and trace element compositions of the melt inclusions and glasses are remarkably homogeneous; this is an unexpected result for ultra-slow spreading ridges, where magma mixing is generally thought to be less efficient based on the assumption that steady-state crustal magma chambers are absent in these environments. All melts can be described by a single liquid line of descent originating from a pooled melt composition that is consistent with the aggregate melt calculated from a geodynamic model for the Gakkel Ridge. These data suggest a model in which deep, low degree melts are efficiently pooled in the upper mantle (9–20 km depth), after which crystallization commences and continues during ascent and eruption. Based on our melting model and the assumption that CO 2 is perfectly incompatible, we show that the highest CO 2 concentrations of the melt inclusions (∼ 1600 ppm) are consistent with the calculated CO 2 concentrations of primary undegassed melts. The highest measured CO 2/Nb ratio (443) of Gakkel Ridge melt inclusions predicts a mantle CO 2 content of 134 ppm and would result in a global ridge flux of 2.0 × 10 12 mol CO 2/yr.

Primitive shoshonites from Fiji: Geochemistry and source components

The eruption of shoshonitic magmas in Fiji during the Late Miocene‐Pliocene (5.5–3 Ma) from 11 main volcanic centers along three broad ENE and NNW trending lineaments coincides with well‐developed spreading in the North Fiji and Lau back‐arc basins and maximum rotation of the Fiji Platform. The most mafic shoshonitic lavas (absarokites) range from 8.4 to 15.2 wt % MgO and are variably clinopyroxene + olivine‐phyric. Fijian shoshonitic suites display a range of enrichment in large ion lithophile elements, Th, U, and P relative to rare earth elements and high field strength elements (HFSE), reflecting variable contributions by the subarc mantle source and subduction‐related components. The subarc mantle source component controls HFSE, heavy rare earth elements, to a lesser degree light rare earth elements (LREE), and most importantly the sensitivity of the mantle source with respect to subduction‐related enrichment processes, whereas Pb, K, Sr, Ba, Rb, Th, U, P2O5, and LREE are contributed by hydrous or supercritical fluid(s) and sediment melts that are added to the subarc mantle. Fijian shoshonitic suites situated ∼150 km apart display a wide range of Nb/Yb (0.3–4.3), implying that there is significant spatial heterogeneity in the sub‐Fijian mantle with respect to the ambient fertility of mantle sources independent of subduction‐related enrichment. The range in incompatible element ratios (e.g., Th/Nb, U/Nb, Ba/Th, Ba/La, P/Nd, and Ce/Pb) displayed by Fijian shoshonitic suites cannot reflect addition of the same subduction‐derived component to variably enriched subarc mantle sources. Differences in the relative amount of fluid versus sediment melt and potentially the composition of the subducted sediment are required to explain the data. The greater overall subduction‐related enrichment in Fijian shoshonites relative to calk‐alkaline and tholeiitic arc magmas is attributed to a melt generation process involving low‐degree partial melting of metsomatized subarc lithosphere in contrast to magmas associated with active or steady state arcs, where higher degrees of melting occur in response to volatile fluxing of the mantle wedge. Shoshonitic magma generation occurs in linear zones during extension of the arc lithosphere preceding arc fragmentation and establishment of back‐arc spreading centers.

Generalized pyrolysis model for combustible solids

This paper presents a generalized pyrolysis model that can be used to simulate the gasification of a variety of combustible solids encountered in fires. The model, Gpyro, can be applied to noncharring polymers, charring solids, intumescent coatings, and smolder in porous media. Temperature, species, and pressure distributions inside a thermally stimulated solid are determined by solving conservation equations for the gaseous and condensed phases. Diffusion of species from the ambient into the solid is calculated with a convective–diffusive solver, providing the capability to calculate the flux and composition of volatiles escaping from the solid. To aid in determining the required material properties, Gpyro is coupled to a genetic algorithm that can be used to estimate the model input parameters from bench-scale fire tests or thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Model calculations are compared to experimental data for the thermo-oxidative decomposition of a noncharring solid (PMMA), thermal pyrolysis of a charring solid (white pine), gasification and swelling of an intumescent coating, and smolder in polyurethane foam. Agreement between model calculations and experimental data is favorable, especially when one considers the complexity of the problems simulated.

Geochemistry of volcanic and hydrothermal fluids and volatile budget of the Kamchatka–Kuril subduction zone

A data base for the composition and emission rates of more than 100 thermal manifestations including boiling geothermal systems and 23 volcanoes along the 1900 km long Kamchatka–Kuril (KK) arc is presented. These results were used to estimate mean fluxes of volatiles from the KK arc. The fluxes from the KK arc are compared with the fluxes from the best studied Central American (CA) arc and with the compiled literature data on global fluxes. The error ranges and the OUT/IN (in)balance calculations are also discussed. The estimated fluxes of volatiles from volcanic fumaroles and the observed, normalized to the Cl content, fluxes from hydrothermal systems are very close, with the higher hydrothermal flux from Kuril Islands due to a larger number of the acidic Cl–SO 4 springs on the Islands and their outflow rates. The total volcanic SO 2 flux from the whole KK arc is estimated to be higher than 3000 t/d. The measured S and C fluxes from hydrothermal systems are much lower than the volcanic output due to the loss of these components in the upper crust (mineral precipitation). The Cl/ 3He ratio is inferred to be a stable indicator of the arc setting for hydrothermal and volcanic fluids with a mean value of (2 ± 4) × 10 9. Comparison of the obtained volcano–hydrothermal fluxes with fluxes calculated from the erupted solid volcanic products at Kamchatka and Kurils during Holocene time reveals that the total estimated volatile output from the KK arc is compatible with the total magmatic output if the intruded to erupted ratio is close to 7, i.e. almost the same as assumed for the Central American arc. Calculated fluxes as well as the ratios for OUT/IN fluxes (volcanic + hydrothermal output/slab + mantle input) for CO 2, S, H 2O, Cl, N 2, 4He and 3He from the KK arc normalized to the arc length are in general close to the global estimates. The fractions of CO 2 and S in the total volatile output at KK arc derived directly from the mantle wedge are 18% and 16% (mole basis), respectively. Fractions of mantle derived H 2O, N 2 and Cl are much lower, less that 5% of their output.

Total volatile flux from Mount Etna

The Total Volatile (TV) flux from Mount Etna volcano has been characterised for the first time, by summing the simultaneously‐evaluated fluxes of the three main volcanogenic volatiles: H2O, CO2 and SO2. SO2 flux was determined by routine DOAS traverse measurements, while H2O and CO2 were evaluated by scaling MultiGAS‐sensed H2O/SO2 and CO2/SO2 plume ratios to the UV‐sensed SO2 flux. The time‐averaged TV flux from Etna is evaluated at ∼21,000 t·day−1, with a large fraction accounted for by H2O (∼13,000 t·day−1). H2O dominates (≥70%) the volatile budget during syn‐eruptive degassing, while CO2 and H2O contribute equally to the TV flux during passive degassing. The CO2 flux was observed to be particularly high prior to the 2006 eruption, suggesting that this parameter is a good candidate for eruption prediction at basaltic volcanoes.

Seasonality of diffusive exchange of polychlorinated biphenyls and hexachlorobenzene across the air–sea interface of Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan

Gaseous and dissolved concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were measured in the ambient air and water of Kaohsiung Harbor lagoon, Taiwan, from December 2003 to January 2005. During the rainy season (April to September), gaseous PCB and HCB concentrations were low due to both scavenging by precipitation and dilution by prevailing southwesterly winds blown from the atmosphere of the South China Sea. In contrast, trace precipitation and prevailing northeasterly winds during the dry season (October to March) resulted in higher gaseous PCB and HCB concentrations. Instantaneous air–water exchange fluxes of PCB homologues and HCB were calculated from 22 pairs of air and water samples from Kaohsiung Harbor lagoon. All net fluxes of PCB homologues and HCB in this study are from water to air (net volatilization). The highest net volatile flux observed was + 172 ng m − 2 day − 1 (dichlorobiphenyls) in December, 2003 due to the high wind speed and high dissolved concentration. The PCB homologues and HCB fluxes were significantly governed by dissolved concentrations in Kaohsiung Harbor lagoon. For low molecular weight PCBs (LMW PCBs), their fluxes were also significantly correlated with wind speed. The net PCB and HCB fluxes suggest that the annual sums of 69 PCBs and HCB measured in this study were mainly volatile (57.4 × 10 3 and 28.3 × 10 3 ng m − 2 yr − 1 , respectively) and estimated yearly, 1.5 kg and 0.76 kg of PCBs and HCB were emitted from the harbor lagoon surface waters to the ambient atmosphere. The average tPCB flux in this study was about one-tenth of tPCB fluxes seen in New York Harbor and in the Delaware River, which are reported to be greatly impacted by PCBs.

Volatile emissions and gas geochemistry of Hot Spring Basin, Yellowstone National Park, USA

We characterize and quantify volatile emissions at Hot Spring Basin (HSB), a large acid-sulfate region that lies just outside the northeastern edge of the 640 ka Yellowstone Caldera. Relative to other thermal areas in Yellowstone, HSB gases are rich in He and H 2, and mildly enriched in CH 4 and H 2S. Gas compositions are consistent with boiling directly off a deep geothermal liquid at depth as it migrates toward the surface. This fluid, and the gases evolved from it, carries geochemical signatures of magmatic volatiles and water–rock reactions with multiple crustal sources, including limestones or quartz-rich sediments with low K/U (or 40⁎Ar/ 4⁎He). Variations in gas chemistry across the region reflect reservoir heterogeneity and variable degrees of boiling. Gas-geothermometer temperatures approach 300 °C and suggest that the reservoir feeding HSB is one of the hottest at Yellowstone. Diffuse CO 2 flux in the western basin of HSB, as measured by accumulation-chamber methods, is similar in magnitude to other acid-sulfate areas of Yellowstone and is well correlated to shallow soil temperatures. The extrapolation of diffuse CO 2 fluxes across all the thermal/altered area suggests that 410 ± 140 t d − 1 CO 2 are emitted at HSB (vent emissions not included). Diffuse fluxes of H 2S were measured in Yellowstone for the first time and likely exceed 2.4 t d − 1 at HSB. Comparing estimates of the total estimated diffuse H 2S emission to the amount of sulfur as SO 4 2− in streams indicates ~ 50% of the original H 2S in the gas emission is lost into shallow groundwater, precipitated as native sulfur, or vented through fumaroles. We estimate the heat output of HSB as ~ 140–370 MW using CO 2 as a tracer for steam condensate, but not including the contribution from fumaroles and hydrothermal vents. Overall, the diffuse heat and volatile fluxes of HSB are as great as some active volcanoes, but they are a small fraction (1–3% for CO 2, 2–8% for heat) of that estimated for the entire Yellowstone system.

B34 岩手山周辺地域におけるマグマ性揮発性物質フラックス : 地下水流動系を介したフラックスの見積り(地殻変動(2)・火山化学,日本火山学会2008年秋季大会)

B34 岩手山周辺地域におけるマグマ性揮発性物質フラックス : 地下水流動系を介したフラックスの見積り(地殻変動(2)・火山化学,日本火山学会2008年秋季大会)

Non-methane volatile organic compound flux from a subarctic mire in Northern Sweden

Non-methane volatile organic compound flux from a subarctic mire in Northern Sweden

Fluxes of volatiles (H2O, CO2, N2, Cl, F) from arc volcanoes

This review gives an overview of the estimates of volatile emissions from arc and mid-ocean ridge volcanoes to the atmosphere and hydrosphere with particular focus on H2O, CO2, N2, Cl and F. The gas compositions of high temperature (>500°C) fumaroles are compiled and used to derive magmatic H2O/SO2, CO2/SO2, HCl/SO2 and HF/SO2 ratios on an arc-by-arc basis to obtain new estimates of major volatile fluxes from arcs globally. The estimate of F flux from arcs is two orders of magnitude smaller than the amount of F released from mid ocean ridges whereas the arc Cl flux exceeds the ridge flux. An important observation is that globally the water budget of subduction zones seems to be balanced and the amount of water degassed through arc volcanism is within the estimates of the amount of water released from the slab below the volcanic front. Recent work that focused on the Central American arc shows that detailed knowledge of the subduction input compositions, coupled with gas emission studies is critical to further constrain the fate of volatiles during the subduction processes.

Monitoring a Supervolcano in Repose: Heat and Volatile Flux at the Yellowstone Caldera

Although giant calderas (“supervolcanoes”) may slumber for tens of thousands of years between eruptions, their abundant earthquakes and crustal deformation reveal the potential for future upheaval. Any eventual supereruption could devastate global human populations, so these systems must be carefully scrutinized. Insight into dormant but restless calderas can be gained by monitoring their output of heat and gas. At Yellowstone, the large thermal and CO2 fluxes require massive input of basaltic magma, which continues to invade the lower to mid-crust, sustains the overlying high-silica magma reservoir, and may result in volcanic hazard for millennia to come. The high flux of CO2 may contribute to the measured deformation of the caldera floor and can also modify the pressure, thermal, and chemical signals emitted from the magma. In order to recognize precursors to eruption, we must scrutinize the varied signals emerging from restless calderas with the goal of discriminating magmatic, hydrothermal, and hybrid phenomena.

Non-methane volatile organic compound flux from a subarctic mire in Northern Sweden

Biogenic NMVOCs are mainly formed by plants and microorganisms. They have strong impact on the local atmospheric chemistry when emitted to the atmosphere. The objective of this study was to determine if there are significant emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) from a subarctic mire in northern Sweden. Subarctic peatlands in discontinuous permafrost regions are undergoing substantial environmental changes due to their high sensitivity to climate warming and there is need for includingNMVOCs in the overall carbon budget. Automatic and manual chamber measurements were used to estimateNMVOCfluxes from three dominating subhabitats on the mire during three growing seasons. Emission rates varied and were related to plant species distribution and seasonal net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide. The highest fluxes were observed from wetter sites dominated by Eriophorum and Sphagnum spp. Total NMVOC emissions from the mire (∼17 ha) is estimated to consist of ∼150 kgC during a growing season with 150 d. NMVOC fluxes can account for ∼5% of total net carbon exchange (−3177 kgC) at the mire during the same period. NMVOC emissions are therefore a significant component in a local carbon budget for peatlands