Volcanic Gases Overview
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Questions and Answers

What are the three main gases emitted during a volcanic eruption?

Water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

How do volcanic gases impact human health?

They can cause symptoms ranging from mild eye irritation to severe respiratory difficulties and potential death.

What percentage of volcano-related human deaths were attributed to volcanic gases between 1900 and 1986?

Approximately 3%.

What are aerosols in the context of volcanic gases?

<p>Aerosols are particles formed when certain volcanic gases react with atmospheric components.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two sources contribute to the formation of volcanic gases on Earth?

<p>The Earth's mantle and the crust.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term is used for substances that can become gaseous when heated?

<p>Volatile substances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two minor gas species emitted during a volcanic eruption.

<p>Hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most abundant volcanic gas, and what typical percentage of total emissions does it comprise?

<p>Water vapor is the most abundant volcanic gas, typically comprising more than 60% of total emissions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effects can volcanic gases have that lead to human fatalities?

<p>Acidic corrosion and asphyxiation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the abundance of volcanic gases differ among volcanoes located at different tectonic settings?

<p>The abundance of volcanic gases varies considerably from volcano to volcano, influenced by volcanic activity and tectonic setting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What volcanic gases do convergent plate boundary volcanoes emit more of compared to hot spot or divergent boundary volcanoes?

<p>Convergent plate boundary volcanoes emit more water vapor and chlorine than those at hot spots or divergent boundaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the ascent of magma and the solubility of dissolved volatiles?

<p>As magma ascends towards the surface, ambient pressure decreases, leading to a decrease in the solubility of the dissolved volatiles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do halocarbons and mercury play in the context of volcanic gases?

<p>Halocarbons and mercury are considered exotic trace compounds found in volcanic emissions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence the solubilities of different volatile constituents in magma?

<p>The solubilities of volatile constituents in magma are influenced by pressure, temperature, and the composition of the magma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do convergent plate boundary volcanoes show higher ratios of certain gas elements compared to others?

<p>Convergent plate boundary volcanoes have higher H2O/H2, H2O/CO2, CO2/He, and N2/He ratios due to their unique geological formation processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typical range of percentage does carbon dioxide account for in volcanic gas emissions?

<p>Carbon dioxide typically accounts for 10 to 40% of volcanic emissions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to volatiles when their solubility in magma decreases below the volatile concentration?

<p>The volatiles will exsolve and form a separate gas phase within the magma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do gas bubbles in magma grow as it ascends?

<p>Bubbles grow by expansion through decompression and by additional gas exsolving as solubility decreases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of magma viscosity on the movement of gas bubbles?

<p>Higher viscosity may cause bubbles to remain fixed in place, while lower viscosity allows them to rise and coalesce.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In volcanic eruptions, what contributes to explosive volcanism?

<p>Explosive volcanism is driven by the inability of gas to escape, leading to fragmentation of magma into ash.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines whether a volcanic eruption is passive or explosive?

<p>The type of eruption is determined by the total volatile content of the initial magma and its viscosity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to the ash produced by fragmented magma?

<p>The fluidised ash has lower resistance to motion compared to viscous magma, causing it to accelerate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can gas flow through magma affect a volcanic eruption?

<p>The gas can flow rapidly through a permeable network towards the surface, influencing eruption dynamics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do small explosions play in volcanic eruptions, as seen in Stromboli?

<p>Small explosions occur when gas bubbles reach the surface and pop, contributing to the eruption's vigor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes closed system degassing from open system degassing?

<p>Closed system degassing maintains equilibrium between gas and magma, while open system degassing allows gas to escape without remaining in equilibrium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the composition of gas released during open system degassing.

<p>The gas composition in open system degassing reflects a mass-flow average of the magma exsolved at various depths and is not representative of conditions at any specific depth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does volcanic gas play in explosive volcanic eruptions?

<p>Volcanic gas causes rapid movements of molten rock due to its sudden release, which is a key driving mechanism in explosive eruptions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when magma encounters water during a volcanic event?

<p>When magma meets water, it can lead to rapid fragmentation of the magma, resulting in explosive volcanic activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the principal components of volcanic gases?

<p>The principal components of volcanic gases include water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur (as SO2 or H2S), nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What gases are considered high-temperature volcanic gases?

<p>High-temperature volcanic gases primarily include sulfur dioxide (SO2) and water vapor (H2O).</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does latent magmatic heat affect meteoric water in an aquifer?

<p>Latent magmatic heat can cause meteoric water to ascend as a vapour phase, interacting with the hot mixture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two low-temperature volcanic gases and their chemical formulas.

<p>Two low-temperature volcanic gases include hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and water vapor (H2O).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effects does extended fluid-rock interaction have on the surrounding geological materials?

<p>Extended fluid-rock interaction can leach constituents from both the cooling magmatic rock and the country rock, causing changes in volume and ionic strength.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does carbon dioxide (CO2) emission from subaerial volcanoes compare globally between 2005 and 2017?

<p>The average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from subaerial volcanoes during the period of 2005 to 2017 varied based on volcanic activity but are significant globally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of cooling in magmatic systems regarding phase separation?

<p>Cooling can result in phase separation and mineral deposition, leading to shifts toward more reducing conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify and describe one compound detected in volcanic gases that is not commonly mentioned.

<p>One compound detected in volcanic gases is hydrogen fluoride (HF), which can be hazardous and contributes to atmospheric pollution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the upward percolation of fluid affect its pH?

<p>The upward percolation of the fluid, influenced by interaction with leached materials, typically results in a decrease in the fluid's pH.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does nitrogen play in volcanic gases?

<p>Nitrogen (N2) is an inert gas in volcanic emissions and contributes to the overall composition without actively participating in chemical reactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of monitoring organic compounds in volcanic gases.

<p>Monitoring organic compounds in volcanic gases is significant as they can indicate biological activity and environmental changes associated with volcanic eruptions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) when detected in volcanic gases?

<p>Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a greenhouse gas, and its presence indicates potential impacts on climate change and global warming.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Volcanic gases

Gases emitted by active or dormant volcanoes, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other minor gases.

Volcanic gas composition

Ninety-nine percent of volcanic gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.

Volcanic gas effects on humans

Breathing high concentrations of volcanic gases can cause eye irritation, breathing problems, and even death.

Sources of volcanic gases

Volcanic gases originate from the Earth's mantle, crust, groundwater, and the atmosphere.

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Volcanic gas damage mechanisms

Some volcanic gases cause harm through corrosion (e.g., acid) and others through suffocation (asphyxiation).

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Volatile substance

Substances that turn into gas when heated.

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Volcanic gas aerosols

Volcanic gases react with atmospheric particles to form aerosols.

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Historical volcanic deaths

Volcanic gases were responsible for 3% of volcano-related human deaths between 1900 and 1986.

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Volcanic Gas Components

The main gases released by volcanoes are water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen.

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What is the most abundant volcanic gas?

Water vapor (H2O) is the most abundant component of volcanic gases, making up about 90% of the total volume.

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Where do volcanic gases originate?

Volcanic gases originate from the Earth's mantle and crust, and can be influenced by groundwater and atmospheric interactions.

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What is a volcanic gas 'signature'?

The specific proportions of different volcanic gases can vary depending on the type of volcano and its activity, providing insights into its internal processes.

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How do volcanic gases impact the atmosphere?

Volcanic gases can influence the atmosphere's composition, temperature, and climate by releasing greenhouse gases like CO2 or creating aerosol particles.

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What is a volatile substance?

A volatile substance is one that easily changes from a liquid or solid to a gas when heated.

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What are volcanic gas aerosols?

Volcanic gases react with atmospheric particles to form tiny airborne droplets known as aerosols, which can affect both weather and climate.

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Why are volcanic gases important to study?

The composition and release of volcanic gases are crucial for understanding volcano behavior, predicting eruptions, and assessing their potential impacts on the environment and human health.

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What are the main types of volcanic gases ?

The most abundant volcanic gases are water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

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What are some trace volcanic gases ?

Trace volcanic gases include mercury, halocarbons (including CFCs), and halogen oxide radicals.

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What causes differences in volcanic gas abundance ?

The abundance of gases varies between volcanoes due to factors like volcanic activity, tectonic setting, and the source of the magma.

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Where are water vapor and chlorine abundant in volcanoes ?

Volcanoes located at convergent plate boundaries emit more water vapor and chlorine compared to hotspots or divergent plate boundaries.

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How does magma composition affect gas release ?

Magma contains dissolved volatile components. Their solubility depends on pressure, temperature, and magma composition.

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What happens to dissolved volatiles as magma rises ?

As magma ascends, the pressure decreases, reducing the solubility of dissolved volatiles, causing them to release as gases.

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How do volcanic gases influence the atmosphere ?

Some volcanic gases react with atmospheric components to form aerosols, affecting climate and weather.

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What are the major differences in gas ratios between plate boundaries ?

Volcanoes at convergent plate boundaries have higher H2O/H2, H2O/CO2, CO2/He, and N2/He ratios compared to hotspots or divergent plates.

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Volatile Concentration

The amount of dissolved gas in a magma, expressed as a percentage by weight. It determines the likelihood of gas release and eruption style.

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Exsolution

The process of gas bubbles forming and separating from magma as it rises and cools, driven by decreasing solubility of volatiles.

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Supersaturated Magma

When magma holds more dissolved gas than it can normally at its current pressure and temperature.

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Bubble Growth

As magma ascends, bubbles grow due to decreased pressure, increased exsolution, and coalescence with other bubbles.

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Magma Viscosity

The resistance of magma to flow, affecting how easily gas bubbles escape and can cause explosive eruptions.

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Gas Network Formation

Bubbles in magma can connect, forming a continuous network allowing gas to flow rapidly towards the surface.

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Explosive Eruptions

When gas pressure builds up within magma, and the gas cannot escape quickly, leading to an explosive eruption.

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Passive Eruptions

When gas can escape gently from the magma, resulting in a less violent, more fluid eruption.

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Closed System Degassing

Volcanic gases ascend in equilibrium with their parent magma, meaning their composition reflects the magma's state at the point of release.

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Open System Degassing

Volcanic gases rise independently of their parent magma, meaning their composition is an average of different depths and doesn't represent any one specific point.

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Volcanic Gas Release Mechanism

The rapid expansion of volcanic gases, often caused by magma encountering water, is the primary driver of explosive volcanic eruptions.

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Low-Temperature Volcanic Gases

These gases form when magmatic gases interact with meteoric water, leading to steam production and leaching of minerals from surrounding rocks.

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Hydrothermal Systems

These systems form when hot fluids interact with rocks, leaching minerals, altering pH, and leading to mineral deposition.

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Ionic Strength

The measure of dissolved ions in a fluid, often increased during hydrothermal activity due to mineral leaching.

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pH Decrease in Hydrothermal Systems

The pH of hydrothermal fluids decreases with interaction with rocks, becoming more acidic due to mineral leaching.

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Phase Separation in Hydrothermal Systems

Cooling hydrothermal fluids can lead to mineral precipitation and the separation of different fluid phases.

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Study Notes

Volcanic Gases

  • Ninety-nine percent of volcanic gases are water vapor (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
  • Remaining one percent includes hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, and other minor gases.
  • Inhaling volcanic gases/ash can be harmful, leading to mild irritation or severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or death.
  • Between 1900 and 1986, volcanic gases were directly responsible for about 3% of all volcano-related deaths.
  • Some gases cause acidic corrosion, while others cause asphyxiation.
  • Some volcanic gases (e.g., sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen fluoride) react with atmospheric particles to form aerosols.

Sources of Volcanic Gases

  • Primordial and recycled constituents from the Earth's mantle.
  • Assimilated constituents from the Earth's crust.
  • Groundwater and the Earth's atmosphere.
  • Volatile substances (substances becoming gaseous or giving off gases when heated).

Composition of Volcanic Gases

  • Gases trapped in cavities (vesicles) in volcanic rocks.
  • Dissolved or dissociated gases in magma and lava.
  • Gases emanating from lava, volcanic vents or craters.
  • Gases released from heated groundwater by volcanic action.

Effects of Volcanic Gases on People

  • Breathing in high concentrations of volcanic gases can cause health problems, from eye irritation to difficulty breathing or death.

Volcanic Gas Composition (More Detail)

  • Water vapor (H₂O)
  • Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
  • Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
  • Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
  • Other gases include:
    • Nitrogen
    • Argon
    • Helium
    • Neon
    • Methane
    • Carbon monoxide (CO)

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Volcanic Gases: Effects and Composition PDF

Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of volcanic gases, including their composition, sources, and health impacts. Learn about the primary components like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, as well as the harmful effects of inhaling these gases. Test your knowledge on how these gases interact with the environment and their implications for human safety.

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