Orogenic Degassing

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of the ‘Orogenic Degassing’ Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive review of the diagenetic, magmatic and metamorphic processes occurring in orogenic belts that influence atmospheric composition through the release and uptake of volatile compounds (primarily CO₂ and CH₄). Among others, the key issues in this field include the following:

It is unclear whether the net carbon dioxide balance of individual orogenic belts and their distinct structural zones is positive or negative, and which factors are responsible. On the one hand, mountain-building processes enhance silicate weathering near the surface, which removes CO₂ from the atmosphere; however, the metamorphic decarbonation processes occurring in parallel produce gases. What role does the original rock composition play in degassing? The mechanisms that drive gases towards the surface are also not fully understood. What is the role of immiscible fluids in gas mobilisation within the Earth’s crust? What are the primary structural upflow channels that conduct gases? How does the balance between gas migration along fault lines and shear zones and gas uptake act through vein mineralisation? What is the role of volcanic/magmatic activity associated with orogens in the migration of gases? What methods do we have for measuring the rate of gas emission? Finally, the most fundamental question is: how do the gas dynamics of orogens influence the planet’s (palaeo)climate? The major warming events in Earth’s geological past were previously attributed almost exclusively to volcanic activity. It remains unclear to what extent the complex effects of major mountain-building events contributed to past climate changes. And, of course, modelling approaches that can integrate the processes occurring in present-day orogens into the carbon cycle and current climate models are essential

Prof. Dr. Tivadar M. Tóth
Dr. Boglárka Mercédesz Kis
Guest Editors

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