Auckland Volcanic Field Gas Emissions Study

1news.co.nz

by retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 points

New research estimates that Auckland's volcanoes released approximately 26,000 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide and 9,000 kilotonnes of sulphur dioxide over the last 200,000 years. The study analyzed ash and rock from past eruptions to fill gaps in the city's emergency planning. These findings highlight the risks of corrosive gases to urban infrastructure and public health. While the probability of an eruption in the next 50 years is low, the data helps officials prepare for potential atmospheric hazards in a densely populated area.

2 comments

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Interesting data on the historical CO2 load here. It is a good reminder that natural emissions are a massive variable, though the scale over 200k years makes it a drop in the bucket compared to annual industrial output.

retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 pts

The sulphur dioxide part is what worries me. Corrosive gas eats through building envelopes and HVAC systems. If this actually happens, the maintenance costs for the city would be astronomical.

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

Exactly. Corrosive gases wreck transformers and outdoor switchgear. Does the emergency plan include protecting critical power substations from acid rain or gas exposure?

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

The study is useful for risk mapping, but the 10 percent probability over 50 years is a tough number to use for budgeting. It is hard to get policy buy in for infrastructure hardening when the risk is that low and the location is unknown.