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degassing
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Figure 1: A schematic representation of the biogeochemical cycle of carbon. Illustrated diagram of the carbon cycle showing how carbon moves as carbon dioxide through the atmosphere, water, living organisms, rocks, and soil. It depicts processes like photosynthesis, respiration, sedimentation, volcanic activity, fossil fuel use, and carbon sequestration, with arrows indicating the flow between air, water, plants, animals, rocks, and industrial sources.
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degassing

Earth science
Also known as: outgassing
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Quick Summary

Figure 1: A schematic representation of the biogeochemical cycle of carbon.
Figure 1: A schematic representation of the biogeochemical cycle of carbon.

Degassing refers to the release of gases from Earth's interior. This process is primarily associated with volcanic activity. Volcanic gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide, along with smaller amounts of other elements and compounds. These gases can be released from fumaroles or during explosive eruptions, forming hazardous gas clouds that can cause suffocation or poisoning.1

The origin of Earth's water and atmosphere is linked to degassing. It's theorized that gases, including water vapor, escaped from Earth's interior during its early history, forming the initial atmosphere and hydrosphere. While the exact timing and extent of this early degassing are uncertain, it's believed that the hydrosphere reached its present volume early in Earth's history, with ongoing minor degassing contributing to its volume today. The composition of volcanic gases depends on factors like temperature, pressure, and the specific volatile elements present in the magma.21

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
6 Britannica Sources
  1. volcano - Gas clouds
  2. hydrosphere - The early hydrosphere
  3. chemical element - Geochemical history
  4. climate - The biosphere and Earth’s energy budget
  5. Earth - The atmosphere of Earth
  6. plate tectonics - Seafloor spreading

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