Volatile elements—such as carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, and halogens—are minor constituents of Earth’s deep interior. Despite their low abundances, deep volatiles mediate major Earth processes, including magma generation, volcanism, mantle convection, and plate tectonics, which control the exchange of volatiles between Earth’s deep interior and its surface. Over geological time, deep volatiles play critical, primary roles in governing energy resources, natural hazards, atmospheric composition, climate, and planetary habitability. Human activities after the industrial revolution have played an impactful, secondary role, and the resulting risk of add-on effects that could lead to irreversible runaway catastrophes has greatly increased.
展开▼