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Volcanic Emissions

All articles tagged with #volcanic emissions

science20 days ago•5 min saved

Antarctica's Erebus Spews Pure Gold Crystals from Its Plume

Researchers studying Mount Erebus in Antarctica found micron-scale, faceted gold crystals in snow around the crater, in the volcanic plume, and in distant Antarctic air up to 1,000 km away, with an estimated 80 grams of gold emitted daily. Erebus appears unique in producing crystalline gold particles, unlike other volcanoes, and how the gold separates from volcanic gases remains unclear. Theories include gold riding in chlorine- or sulfur-bearing gases that crystallize as they cool, or gradual formation on the lava lake surface before being carried aloft. The exact mechanism remains unresolved since a 1991 Geophysical Research Letters paper.

via ScienceAlert|

#antarctica #geochemistry #gold-crystals

earth-science2 years ago•5 min saved

"Surprising Geological Discovery: Ancient Rocks Emit CO2 Comparable to Volcanoes"

A study led by the University of Oxford has revealed that natural rock weathering can act as a significant source of CO2, rivaling volcanic emissions. This overturns the traditional view that rock weathering acts as a CO2 sink. The release of CO2 from rocks occurs when ancient seafloor rocks are pushed to the Earth's surface, exposing organic carbon to oxygen and water. This process, not currently included in climate models, could have implications for future carbon budget predictions and climate change scenarios. Further research will investigate whether human activities are increasing CO2 release from rock weathering and how it can be managed.

via SciTechDaily|

#carbon-cycle #climate-change #co2-emissions