Metamorphic Fluids and Global Environmental Changes

Research Article| June 01, 2010 Metamorphic Fluids and Global Environmental Changes Henrik Svensen; Henrik Svensen *Center for Physics of Geological Processes (PGP), University of Oslo P.O. Box 1048 Blindern, N-03176 Oslo, Norway E-mail: hensven@fys.uio.no Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Bjørn Jamtveit Bjørn Jamtveit *Center for Physics of Geological Processes (PGP), University of Oslo P.O. Box 1048 Blindern, N-03176 Oslo, Norway E-mail: hensven@fys.uio.no Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Elements (2010) 6 (3): 179–182. https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.6.3.179 Article history first online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Henrik Svensen, Bjørn Jamtveit; Metamorphic Fluids and Global Environmental Changes. Elements 2010;; 6 (3): 179–182. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.6.3.179 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyElements Search Advanced Search Abstract Carbon dioxide is produced by metamorphic reactions in orogenic belts and high-heat-flow systems. Part of this carbon is ultimately released to the atmosphere, but the long timescale of regional metamorphism implies that the short-term effects on the environment are minor. However, contact metamorphism around igneous sill intrusions in organic-rich sedimentary basins has the potential to generate huge volumes of CH4 and CO2, and these gases are rapidly released to the atmosphere through vertical pipe structures. The high flux and volume of greenhouse gases produced in this way suggest that contact metamorphic processes could have a first-order influence on global warming and mass extinctions. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.