Thermal effects of massive CO2 emissions associated with subduction volcanism

Large volumes of CO₂ are emitted during volcanic activity at convergent plate boundaries, not only from volcanic centres. Their C isotopic signature indicates that this CO₂ is mainly derived from the decarbonation of subducted limestones or carbonated metabasalts, not as often admitted from magma degassing. On the example of Milos (Aegean Sea) it is argued that these fluids originate from intermediate depth in the mantle and carry sufficient heat to account for the generation of subduction-related magmas, as well as for the geothermal manifestations at the surface. The heat that is required for the decarbonation reactions is drawn by conduction from a wide zone surrounding the subducting slab and then rapidly transported upward by convection of the mixed CO₂–H₂O fluids that originate from the sediments in the slab. The transport takes place in a focused way through ‘chimneys’ in the upper mantle, where magmas are generated by the introduced heat and water. In the crust, the hot fluids cause thermal-dome-type metamorphism. In volcanic areas, magmas are commonly held responsible for the major part of heat transfer from the mantle to the surface. Here it is argued that most of the heat transfer is by hot gases. To cite this article: R.D. Schuiling, C. R. Geoscience 336 (2004).