Hydrothermal vent waters at 13°N on the East Pacific Rise: isotopic composition and gas concentration

Gas concentrations and isotopic compositions of water have been measured in hydrothermal waters from 13°N on the East Pacific Rise. In the most Mg-depleted samples ( 5 × 10⁻³ moles/kg) the gas concentrations are: 3–4.5 × 10⁻⁵ cm³ STP/kg helium, 0.62–1.24 cm³ STP/kg CH₄, 10.80–16.71 × 10⁻³ moles/kg CO₂. The samples contain large quantities (95–126 cm³/kg) of H₂ and some carbon monoxide (0.26–0.36 cm³/kg) which result from reaction with the titanium sampling bottles. δ¹³C in methane and CO₂ (−16.6 to −19.5 and −4.1 to −5.5 respectively) indicate temperatures between 475 and 550°C, whereas δ¹³C_CO is compatible with formation by reduction of CO₂ on Ti at 350°C close to the sampling temperature.³He/⁴He are very homogeneous at (7.5 ± 0.1)R_A(³He/⁴He = 1.0 × 10⁻⁵) and very similar to already published data as well as CH₄/³He ratios between 1.4 and 2.1 × 10⁶.¹⁸O and D in water show enrichments from 0.39 to 0.69‰ and from 0.62 to 1.49‰ respectively. These values correspond to W/R ratios of 0.4–7. The distinct¹⁸O enrichments indicate that the isotopic composition of the oceans is not completely buffered by the hydrothermal circulations. The³He-enthalpy relationship is discussed in terms of both hydrothermal heat flux and³He mantle flux.     

Untersuchung der CO2-Konzentration im Tropopausenniveau

Zusammenfassung Zwischen 50° bis 85°N Breite wurde die atmosphärische CO₂-Konzentration während mehrerer Messflüge registriert. Diese war oberhalb der Tropopause bis zu 7 ppm (im Mittel etwa 2 ppm) niedriger als in der oberen Troposphäre. Im Jahresmittel entspricht diese CO₂-Konzentrationsdifferenz einem Fluss von etwa 10^–2 g CO₂/cm² Jahr aus der nördlichen Troposphäre in die Stratosphäre. Die Bedeutung dieser CO₂-Konzentrationsunterschiede für den atmosphärischen CO₂-Haushalt sowie für die Strahlungsbilanz im Tropopausenniveau kann erst nach Vorlage weiterer, über das ganze Jahr verteilter Messdaten erfolgen.

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Summary CO₂-concentration was measured during several flights in northern latitudes (50°–85°). Above Tropopause CO₂-concentration was up to 7 ppm (as a mean some 2 ppm) smaller than in upper troposphere. As a mean this difference in CO₂-concentration cm² year conforms to a CO₂-flux of some 10^–2 g CO₂/cm² year from northern troposphere into stratosphere. The importance of these CO₂-differences for atmospheric CO₂-system and for radiation balance in tropopause-height may be considered as soon as more CO₂-concentration data for the whole year are available.

     

Oxygen diffusion rates in quartz exchanged with CO2

Oxygen self diffusion rates were determined in quartz samples exchanged with¹⁸O-enriched CO₂ between 745 and 900°C and various pressures, and the diffusion profiles were measured using an ion microprobe. The activation energy (Q) and preexponential factor (D₀) at P(CO₂) = P(tot) = 100 bar, for diffusion parallel to the c-axis are 159 ( ± 13) kJ/g atom and 2.10 (+0.75/ −0.55) × 10⁻⁸ cm²/s. This rate is approximately 100 times slower than that obtained from hydrothermal experiments and 100 times faster than a previous 1-bar quartz-O₂ exchange experiment. The oxygen diffusion rate measured at 0.6 bar, 888°C, and at 900°C in vacuum is in agreement with the previous 1-bar exchange experiments with¹⁸O₂. The effect of higher CO₂ pressures is small. At 900°C, the diffusion rate exchanged with CO₂ is = 2.35 × 10⁻¹⁵ cm²/s at 100 bar, 2.24 × 10⁻¹⁵ cm²/s at 3.45 kbar and 8.13 × 10⁻¹⁵ cm²/s at 7.2 kbar.There is probably a diffusing species, other than oxygen, that enhances the oxygen diffusion rate in these quartz-CO₂ systems, relative to that occurring at very low pressures or in a vacuum. The effect of this diffusing species, however, is not as strong as that associated with H₂O. Preserved oxygen isotope fractionations between coexisting minerals in a slowly cooled, high-grade metamorphic terrane will vary depending upon whether a water-rich phase was present or not. Closure temperatures will be approximately 100°C higher in rocks where no water-rich phase was present during cooling. The measured fractionations between coexisting minerals in metamorphic rocks may potentially be used as a sensor of water presence during retrogression.     

Sulla turbolenza delle correnti marine nello stretto di messina

Riassunto Gli Autori espongono i risultati di un tentativo di valutazione del grado di turbolenza verticale delle correnti marine davanti alle imboccature Nord e Sud dello Stretto di Messina. I valori massimi ottenuti per il coefficiente di diffusione verticale della salinitàK _z sono dell'ordine di 10³–10⁴ cm²/sec.

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Summary The Authors present the results of some calculations carried out to obtain values of the vertical turbulence (by means of the coefficient of eddy-diffusion of salinityK _z ) of the currents in the Strait of Messina. The maximum values ofK _z are of the order of 10³–10⁴ cm²/sec.

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Comunicazione presentata il 24 Aprile 1957 alla Quinta Assemblea Generale della «Società Italiana di Geofisica e Meteorologia» (Genova: 23–25 Aprile 1957).     

Effect of displacement rate on the real area of contact and temperatures generated during frictional sliding of Tennessee sandstone

Summary The real area of contact has been determined, and measurements of the maximum and average surface temperatures generated during frictional sliding along precut surfaces in Tennessee sand-stone have been made, through the use of thermodyes. Triaxial tests have been made at 50 MPa confining pressure and constant displacement rates of 10^–2 to 10^–6 cm/sec, and displacements up to 0.4 om. At 0.2 cm of stable sliding, the maximum temperature decreases with decreasing nominal displacement rate from between 1150° to 1175°C at 10^–2 cm/sec to between 75° to 115°C at 10^–3 cm/sec. The average temperature of the surface is between 75 and 115°C at 10^–2 cm/sec, but shows no rise from room temperature at 10^–3 cm/sec. At 0.4 cm displacement, and in the stick-slip mode, as the nominal displacement rate decreases from 10^–3 to 10^–6 cm/sec, the maximum temperature decreases from between 1120° to 1150°C to between 1040° to 1065°C. The average surface temperature is 115° to 135°C at displacement rates from 2.6×10^–3 to 10^–4 cm/sec.With a decrease in the displacement rate from 10^–2 to 10^–6 cm/sec, the real area of contact increases from about 5 to 14 percent of the apparent area; the avergge area of asperity contact increases from 2.5 to 7.5×10^–4 cm². Although fracture is the dominate mechanism during stick-up thermal softening and creep may also contribute to the unstable sliding process.     

Evolution of fumarolic gases — boundary conditions set by measured parameters: case study at Vulcano,Italy

Physical, chemical and isotopic parameters were measured in fumaroles at the Vulcano crater and in drowned fumaroles near the beach. The data were used to define boundary conditions for possible conceptual models of the system.Crater fumaroles: time variations of CO₂ and SO₂ concentrations indicate mixing of saline gas-rich water with local fresh water. Cl/Br ratios of 300– 400 favour sea-water as a major source for Cl, Brand part of the water in the fumaroles. Cl concentrations and D values revealed, independently, amixing of 0.75 sea-water with 0.25 local freshwaterin furmarole F-5 during September 1982.Patterns of parameter correlation and mass balances reveal that CO₂, S, NH₃ and B originate from sources other than sea water. The CO₂ value of ¹³C = – 2%_o favours, at least partial, origin from decomposition of sedimentary rocks rather than mantle-derived material. Radiogenic⁴He(1.3 × lO^–3 ccSTP/g water) and radiogenic⁴⁰Ar(10.6 × 10^–4 ccSTP/g water) are observed, (⁴He/⁴⁰Ar)_radiogenic = 1.2, well in the range of values observed in geothermal systems.Drowned fumaroles: strongly bubbling gas at a pond and at the beachappears to have the same origin and initial compositionas the crater fumaroles (2 km away). The fumarolic gas is modified by depletion of the reactive gases, caused by dissolution in shallow-water. Atmospheric Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe are addeden route, some radiogenic He and Ar are maintained. The Vulcano system seems to be strongly influenced by the contribution of sea-water and decomposition of sedimentary rocks. Evidence of magmatic contributions is mainly derived from heat.     

Constrains on gravity wave induced diffusion in the middle atmosphere

A review of the important constraints on gravity wave induced diffusion of chemical tracers, heat, and momentum is given. Ground-based microwave spectroscopy measurements of H₂O and CO and rocket-based mass spectrometer measurements of Ar constrain the eddy diffusion coefficient for constituent transport (K _zz ) to be (1–3)×10⁵ cm²s^–1 in the upper mesosphere. Atomic oxygen data also limitsK _zz to a comparable value at the mesopause. From the energy balance of the upper mesosphere the eddy diffusion coefficient for heat transport (D _H ) is, at most 6×10⁵ cm²s^–1 at the mesopause and decreasing substantially with decreasing altitude. The available evidence for mean wind deceleration and the corresponding eddy diffusion coefficient for momentum stresses (D _M ) suggests that it is at least 1×10⁶ cm²s^–1, in the upper mesosphere. Consequently the eddy Prandtl number for macroscopic scale lengths is >3.     

Dissolved carbon dioxide in basaltic glasses: concentrations and speciation

Carbon dioxide dissolved in both synthetic Ca±Mg-bearing silicate glasses and natural basaltic glasses has been characterized using infrared spectroscopy. CO₂ is inferred to be dissolved in these glasses as distorted Ca or Mg carbonate ionic complexes that result in unique infrared absorption bands at 1515 cm⁻¹ and 1435 cm⁻¹. This speciation contrasts with the case of CO₂-bearing sodium aluminosilicate glasses, which contain both dissolved molecular CO₂ and dissolved Na-carbonate ionic-complexes. The difference in speciation in Ca±Mg-bearing melts may result in part from a higher activity of oxygens that react with CO₂ molecules to produce carbonate.Dissolved CO₂ contents of natural basaltic glasses can be determined from the intensities of the carbonate absorption bands at 1515 cm⁻¹ and 1435 cm⁻¹. The uncertainty of the method is estimated to be ± 15% of the amount present. The infrared technique is a powerful tool for the measurement of dissolved CO₂ contents in natural basaltic glasses since it is non-destructive, can be aimed at regions of glass a few tens of microns in size, and can discriminate between dissolved carbonate and carbon present as carbonate alteration, contained in fluid inclusions, or adsorbed on the glass.A set of submarine basaltic glasses dredged from a variety of locations contain 0–400 ppm dissolved CO₂, measured using the infrared technique. These concentrations are lower than most previous reports for similar basaltic glasses. No general relationship is observed between dissolved CO₂ content and depth of magmatic eruption, although some correlation might be present in restricted geographic locales.     

Scattering and anelastic attenuation of seismic energy in northern Greece

The relative contribution of scattering (Q _s ^–1 ) and intrinsic (Q _i ^–1 ) attenuation to the totalS-wave attenuation for the frequencies of 1.5, 3.0, 6.0 and 12.0 Hz has been studied by applying the radiative energy transfer theory, Data of local earthquakes which occurred in northern Greece and were recorded by the permanent telementered network of the Geophysical Laboratory of the University of Thessaloniki have been used. The results show that in this area the scattering attenuation is dominant over all frequencies while intrinsic attenuation is significantly lower. The estimatedQ _s ^–1 andQ _i ^–1 values have frequency dependences off ^–0.72 andf ^–0.45, respectively. The frequency dependence ofQ _s ^–1 is the same as that of the codaQ _c ^–1 , obtained by applying the single scattering model, which probably implies that the frequency dependence of the coda wave attenuation is attributed to the frequency dependence of the scattering attenuation.Q _c ^–1 values are very close to scattering attenuation for short lapse times, (10–20 sec), and intermediate between scattering and intrinsic attenuation for the longer lapse times, (50–100 sec). This difference is explained as the result of the depth-dependent attenuation properties and the multiple scattering effects.     

L'ordre du coefficient de récombinaison dans la coucheE

Résumé On propose une méthode de détermination de l'ordre du coefficient équivalent de récombinaison en n'utilisant que les données ionosphériques. A cette fin on évalue l'apport de la vitesse des changements passagersdN _m E/dt dans la densité électroniqueN _m E. L'évaluation se fait en présence d'une série de valeurs choisies de , on observe laquelle des courbes définis _m (t) dans cette étude coïncidera de plus près avec _m (t) mesurée. Les changements de montrés sur la figure 4 sont obtenus de cette manière. La valeur diurne de varie de (0.5÷1) 10^–7 cm³ sec^–1; peu après le lever et peu avant le coucher du soleil devient >10^–7 cm³ sec^–1. Lorsque cos>0, d'après la règle décrcit et devient 10^–8 cm³ sec^–1. Les explications des changements de obtenus de cette manière sont données en rendant compte des changements par rapport aux ions atomiques et moléculaires, à la disparition rapide des ions positifs pendant le coucher du soleil en présence d'un coefficient de récombinaison plus grand et des changements de température eventuels. La symétrie ou l'asymétrie des fréquences critiquesf ₀ E quand cos sont égaux permettent dans la marche diurne de juger de l'ordre de . Toutes ces évaluations indiquent également des valeurs de environ 10^–7 cm³ sec^–1. En précisant des mesures def ₀ E il est possible de définir non seulement l'ordre, mais aussi la valeur de elle-même.

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Summary A method for the determination of the order of the equivalent recombination coefficient is suggested, by using ionospheric data only. The increase in the speed of temporary changes indN _m /dt in the electronic densityN _m E is estimated for this purpose. The estimation is done with series of selected for the sake of expediency values of , following at the same time which curves _m (t), determined in the course of work, will coincide most closely with the _m (t) measured. The changes in , shown in figure 4, have been obtained in this way. The diurnal value of is in the range of (0.5 to 1) 10^–7 cm³ sec, being >10^–7 cm³ sec a little after sunrise and a little prior to sunset. At cos<0, by rule decreases and becomes 10^–8 cm³ sec. Explanations of the changes thus obtained in are indicated, taking into consideration the relation of atomic and molecular ions, the rapid disappearance of positive ions at sunset with a higher recombination coefficient and eventual temperature changes. From the symmetry or asymmetry of the critical frequencies off ₀ E at equal cos in the course of the day it can also be judged for the order of . All those estimates show values of in the range of 10^–7 cm³ sec. In the case of precise measurements off ₀ E, not only the determination of the order but also the real value of is possible.

     

Ionisations-Neutralisationsbilanz in derE-Schicht nach Angaben von der totalen Sonnenfinsternis am 15. Februar 1961

Zusammenfassung Es werden die Grundgleichungen der Ionisations-Neutralisationsbilanz in derE-Schicht präzisiert und auf die Notwendigkeit der Berücksichtigung des Einflusses der lokalen ionisierenden Strahlungsquellen auf der Sonnenscheibe, der dynamischen ionosphärischen Vorgängen und der Veränderungen des äquivalenten Rekombinationskoeffizienten hingewiesen. Ferner wird eine Methodik zur Bestimmung der charakteristischen Grössen der Ionisations-Rekombinationsbilanz (q _0m ,q _d, ) dargelegt. Zu dem Zweck werden die Messergebnisse aus der Periode der Sonnenfinsternis von zwei unweit voneinander gelegenen Ionosphärenstationen verwendet. Die Methodik wird auf die während der totalen Sonnenfinsternis am 15. Februar 1961 auf den Ionosphärenstationen in Sofia und Nesebar erhaltenen Ergebnisse angewandt. Für den Rekombinationskoeffizienten werden Werte zwischen 0,63·10^–7 cm³sec^–1 und 2,32·10^–7 cm³sec^–1 und für die Elektronenproduktion unter dem Einfluss der ionisierenden Strahlung von der homogenen Sonnenscheibeq _0m 1700 cm^–3sec^–1 erhalten.

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Summary The basic equations for the ionisation-neutralisation balance in theE layer have been shown the necessity to take in account the influence of the local ionisation sources on the disk of the sun, the dynamic ionospheric processes and the variations in the equivalent recombination coefficient. The method for determining the characteristic quantities of the ionisation-recombination balance (q _0m ,q _d, ) has been exhibited for this purpose are used measurement data from two ionospheric stations located not far from each other, in the period of the solar eclips on 15 February, 1961. The quantity of the recombination coefficient lay between 0.63×10^–7 sec^–1 cm³ and 2.32×10^–7 sec^–1 cm³; the electron production under the action of the ionising radiation of the homogen disk showsq _0m 1700 sec^–1 cm^–3.

     

Correlated seasonal and climatic variations of trace constituents in the stratosphere

Summary Spectrometric experiments performed, in November 1976, within the framework of the Latitude Survey Mission on board the NASA Convair 990 from Ames Research Center are briefly deseribed. The results presented concern odd nitrogen molecules, HCl and water vapor. In terms of vertical column density, HNO₃ is predominant over NO+NO₂ at all latitudes higher than 40 degrees. A seasonal variation of NO₂ abundance is observed, with larger values in the summer hemisphere at high latitude. The mean zenith column density of HCl above 11 km is 1.5×10¹⁵ mol.cm^–2, with no evidence for any seasonal or climatic variation. Local number densities as high as 1.4×10¹⁰ mol.cm^–3 for HNO₃ and 5.4×10¹⁴ mol.cm^–3 for water vapor have been measured during the same flight near 11 km.     

Water-saturated oceanic lavas from the Manus Basin: volatile behaviour during assimilation–fractional crystallisation–degassing (AFCD)

We have analysed volatiles (H₂O, He, Ar, CO₂) in differentiated (basaltic andesite, dacite) volcanic glasses dredged at a depth of ca. 2000 m in the eastern part of the Manus Basin between 151°20′ and 152°10′ E. These samples have Sr–O–B isotopic ratios that show that they most likely represent lavas evolved from a common magma source. Since these glasses are very fresh, they provide a unique opportunity to study the behaviour of magmatic volatiles during assimilation–fractional crystallisation–degassing (AFCD). The samples are highly vesicular (up to 18%) and the volatiles trapped in vesicles consist predominantly of H₂O with minor amounts of CO₂, and the concentration of water in the glasses indicates that H₂O saturation was attained. Rare gases except helium are atmospheric in origin, and the ³He/⁴He ratios and the CO₂/³He ratios are respectively lower and higher than those typical of Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt (MORB), and appear to correlate with the degree of differentiation. AFCD allows efficient degassing of mantle-derived volatiles and contribution of crust-derived and atmosphere-derived volatiles. Given the widespread occurrence of differentiated magmatism at arcs, we suggest that AFCD is responsible for large-scale occurrence of ³He-rich crustal fluids and of atmospheric-like rare gases in arc emanations, and that most of the volatiles are lost continuously during fractional crystallisation, rather than catastrophically during eruptions.     

Gas geochemistry of the Valles caldera region, New Mexico and comparisons with gases at Yellowstone, Long Valley and other geothermal systems

Noncondensible gases from hot springs, fumaroles, and deep wells within the Valles caldera geothermal system (210–300°C) consist of roughly 98.5 mol% CO₂, 0.5 mol% H₂S, and 1 mol% other components. ³He/⁴He ratios indicate a deep magmatic source (R/R_a up to 6) whereas δ¹³C–CO₂ values (−3 to −5‰) do not discriminate between a mantle/magmatic source and a source from subjacent, hydrothermally altered Paleozoic carbonate rocks. Regional gases from sites within a 50-km radius beyond Valles caldera are relatively enriched in CO₂ and He, but depleted in H₂S compared to Valles gases. Regional gases have R/R_a values ≤1.2 due to more interaction with the crust and/or less contribution from the mantle. Carbon sources for regional CO₂ are varied. During 1982–1998, repeat analyses of gases from intracaldera sites at Sulphur Springs showed relatively constant CH₄, H₂, and H₂S contents. The only exception was gas from Footbath Spring (1987–1993), which experienced increases in these three components during drilling and testing of scientific wells VC-2a and VC-2b. Present-day Valles gases contain substantially less N₂ than fluid inclusion gases trapped in deep, early-stage, post-caldera vein minerals. This suggests that the long-lived Valles hydrothermal system (ca. 1 Myr) has depleted subsurface Paleozoic sedimentary rocks of nitrogen. When compared with gases from many other geothermal systems, Valles caldera gases are relatively enriched in He but depleted in CH₄, N₂ and Ar. In this respect, Valles gases resemble end-member hydrothermal and magmatic gases discharged at hot spots (Galapagos, Kilauea, and Yellowstone).     

Mantle-derived volatiles in continental crust: the Massif Central of France

CO₂-rich gases and groundwaters from springs and boreholes originating within the basement of the Massif Central have variable³He/⁴He ratios with correspondingR/R_a values ranging from 0.8 to 5.5 and 0.3 to 2.8 respectively, indicating the presence of a significant component of mantle helium. Molar concentrations of rare gases in the CO₂-rich gases are approximately 5 orders of magnitude greater than in the waters and suggest that a near-surface Henry's Law fractionation has occurred between exsolving CO₂ and water.δ¹³C values of the CO₂-rich gases are in the range −4.2 to −6.1‰, i.e. in that range normally attributed to mantle carbon, but which could also represent an average crustal composition and therefore do not discriminate between mantle and crustal sources.C/³He ratios show 4 orders of magnitude variation from 1.4 × 10¹² to 5 × 10⁸ and, compared to a mantleC/³He ratio of 10⁹, indicate that either a complex fractionation has occurred between mantle helium and mantle CO₂ or more likely that mantle rare gases have been diluted by large quantities of CO₂ with an average crustal carbon isotope composition. The regional distribution of³He and C does not show any obvious relationship to age or proximity of volcanic centres or major faults, suggesting that mantle-derived C and He components decoupled from their silicate melt sources at some depth.The results from this area of active fluid circulation suggest that C-isotope data derived from metamorphic terrains should be interpreted with great caution, but that input of some mantle-derived carbon is expected to accompany crustal extension.     

The mobility spectrum and the ion concentration of large ions in air mixed with N2O gas

Summary Using the divided electrode condenser it was possible to detect the large ion groups formed when small amounts of N₂O gas were mixed with atmospheric air. Eight groups appeared with mobilities ranging from 12.50×10^–4 to 0.60×10^–4 cm/sec: volt/cm. When using the whole electrode condenser the results showed an increase in the total ion concentration of these large ions when small amounts of N₂O gas were mixed with air. The results obtained in this work confirm that N₂O gas acts as a nucleus for condensation which is changed into a large ion by appropriating an electrical charge.     

Attenuation of coda waves in northern Greece

The single scattering model has been applied for the estimation of codaQ values for local earthquakes that occurred in northern Greece during the period 1983–1989 and recorded by the telemetered network of the Geophysical Laboratory of the University of Thessaloniki. CodaQ estimations were made for four frequency bands centered at 1.5 Hz, 3.0 Hz, 6.0 Hz and 12.0 Hz and for the lapse time windows 10–20 sec, 15–30 sec, 20–45 sec, 30–60 sec and 50–100 sec. The codaQ values obtained show a clear frequency dependence of the formQ _c =Q ₀ f ⁿ , whileQ ₀ andn depend on the lapse time window.Q ₀ was found equal to 33 andn equal to 1.01 for the time window of 10 to 20 sec, while for the other windowsQ ₀ increased from 60 to 129, withn being stable, close to 0.75. This lapse time dependence is interpreted as due to a depth dependent attenuation. The high attenuation and the strong frequency dependence found are characteristic of an area with high seismicity, in agreement with studies in other seismic regions.     

Diffuse CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> degassing at Vesuvio,Italy

At Vesuvio, a significant fraction of the rising hydrothermal–volcanic fluids is subjected to a condensation and separation process producing a CO₂–rich gas phase, mainly expulsed through soil diffuse degassing from well defined areas called diffuse degassing structures (DDS), and a liquid phase that flows towards the outer part of the volcanic cone. A large amount of thermal energy is associated with the steam condensation process and subsequent cooling of the liquid phase. The total amount of volcanic–hydrothermal CO₂ discharged through diffuse degassing has been computed through a sequential Gaussian simulation (sGs) approach based on several hundred accumulation chamber measurements and, at the time of the survey, amounted to 151 t d^–1. The steam associated with the CO₂ output, computed assuming that the original H₂O/CO₂ ratio of hydrothermal fluids is preserved in fumarolic effluents, is 553 t d^–1, and the energy produced by the steam condensation and cooling of the liquid phase is 1.47×10¹² J d^–1 (17 MW). The location of the CO₂ and temperature anomalies show that most of the gas is discharged from the inner part of the crater and suggests that crater morphology and local stratigraphy exert strong control on CO₂ degassing and subsurface steam condensation. The amounts of gas and energy released by Vesuvio are comparable to those released by other volcanic degassing areas of the world and their estimates, through periodic surveys of soil CO₂ flux, can constitute a useful tool to monitor volcanic activity.Editorial responsibility: H. Shinohara     

Very high-frequency and seasonal cave atmosphere PCO2 variability: Implications for stalagmite growth and oxygen isotope-based paleoclimate records

Cave air P_CO2 at two Irish sites varied dramatically on daily to seasonal timescales, potentially affecting the timing of calcite deposition and consequently climate proxy records derived from stalagmites collected at the same sites. Temperature-dependent biochemical processes in the soil control CO₂ production, resulting in high summer P_CO2 values and low winter values at both sites. Large Large-amplitude, high-frequency variations superimposed on this seasonal cycle reflect cave air circulation. Here we model stalagmite growth rates, which are controlled partly by CO₂ degassing rates from drip water, by considering both the seasonal and high-frequency cave air P_CO2 variations. Modeled hourly growth rates for stalagmite CC-Bil from Crag Cave in SW Ireland reach maxima in late December (0.063 μm h^− 1) and minima in late June/early July (0.033 μm h^− 1). For well-mixed ‘diffuse flow’ cave drips such as those that feed CC-Bil, high summer cave air P_CO2 depresses summer calcite deposition, while low winter P_CO2 promotes degassing and enhances deposition rates. In stalagmites fed by well-mixed drips lacking seasonal variations in δ¹⁸O, integrated annual stalagmite calcite δ¹⁸O is unaffected; however, seasonality in cave air P_CO2 may influence non-conservative geochemical climate proxies (e.g., δ¹³C, Sr/Ca). Stalagmites fed by ‘seasonal’ drips whose hydrochemical properties vary in response to seasonality may have higher growth rates in summer because soil air P_CO2 may increase relative to cave air P_CO2 due to higher soil temperatures. This in turn may bias stalagmite calcite δ¹⁸O records towards isotopically heavier summer drip water δ¹⁸O values, resulting in elevated calcite δ¹⁸O values compared to the ‘equilibrium’ values predicted by calcite–water isotope fractionation equations. Interpretations of stalagmite-based paleoclimate proxies should therefore consider the consequences of cave air P_CO2 variability and the resulting intra-annual variability in calcite deposition rates.     

Some airborne observations of condensation nucleus concentration

Summary The measurement of condensation nucleus concentration from an aircraft is considered and preliminary observations made with a photo-electric condensation nucleus counter discussed. It is concluded that at heights up to 6000 ft concentrations of condensation nuclei vary, from 200 cm^–3 in clean maritime air to 5 × 10³ cm^–3 generally over large industrial areas and 35 × 10³ cm^–3 downwind of specific industrial sources. It appears that sea spray makes a contribution to the nucleus population.Mr. G. J.Day, B. Sc., Meteorological Research Flight, Royal Aircraft Establishment,Farnborough, Hants. (Great Britain).