Subcrustal CO2 flux measurement in the Hranice hydrothermal Karst, methodology and first results
Abstract
Hranice Karst with Zbrašov aragonite caves is situated in the Teplice nad Bečvou district, 40 km SE from Olomouc. Hranice hydrothermal Karst is developed in the sequence of Paleozoic limestones as a result of deep influx of thermal water charged with subcrustal carbon dioxide (C02). Flux C02 (g.m-2.d-1) was measured in the soil and cave. Homogenisation chamber and pumping test were applied to evaluate C02 flux. The average soil C02 flux ranged from 74 to 125 g.m_2.d_1 reflecting venting of subcrustal C02 in the Hranice area. In the Zbrasovaragonite cave the C02 con- centration in the atmosphere varies from 0 to 85% with measured constant flux of 32894,45 g.m"2.d_1.