Falling through the cracks: The role of fractures in Earth-atmosphere gas exchange

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

7

Global Change: Land/Atmosphere Interactions (1218, 1843, 3322), Hydrology: Hydrological Cycles And Budgets (1218, 1655), Hydrology: Vadose Zone, Biogeosciences: Carbon Cycling (4806), Hydrology: Energy Budgets

Scientific paper

If we are to understand global warming, and in particular global water-cycling, then it is vital to explore the links between atmospheric conditions, earth processes and major global cycles. One arena that has been heretofore ignored is the effect on global dynamics of earth fractures that are open to the atmosphere. Historically, these fractures have been studied merely as participants in aquifer recharge or aquifer contamination during periods of infiltration. In general, they are considered inactive when there is no precipitation. This paper puts forward in-situ continuous field measurements demonstrating that during no-flow periods, fractures breathe via convection on a daily basis, enhancing atmospheric exchange by several orders of magnitude compared to the non-fractured crust. We quantify the timing, persistence and characteristics of this mechanism. The convective exchange mechanism is pervasive, occurring daily with peak flux exchange at night and in winter, the reverse of most other surface processes.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Falling through the cracks: The role of fractures in Earth-atmosphere gas exchange does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Falling through the cracks: The role of fractures in Earth-atmosphere gas exchange, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Falling through the cracks: The role of fractures in Earth-atmosphere gas exchange will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1808621

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.