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Global emissions of helium‐3 by subaerial volcanism
Author(s) -
Allard Patrick
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/92gl00974
Subject(s) - subaerial , volcano , volcanism , plume , geology , flux (metallurgy) , lava , panache , volcanic gases , helium , earth science , atmospheric sciences , geophysics , geochemistry , tectonics , seismology , physics , chemistry , meteorology , atomic physics , organic chemistry
The emission rate of helium‐3 by subaerial volcanism is re‐evaluated by coupling 3 He/CO 2 ratios in volcanic gases with new estimate of the flux of carbon dioxide from both arc and non‐arc volcanoes. Steady volcanic plume emissions are computed to supply 240–310 mole 3 He/yr, most of which is due to non‐arc volcanoes. Major eruptions represent minor additions on average, whereas diffuse 3 He emanations through volcanic piles may be important sources. Although not including this contribution, the above figure is equivalent to 20–40% of the 3 He flux from mid‐ocean ridges and, thus, suggests that primordial 3 He degassing from subaerial volcanic regions may be larger than expected.