The Impact of Non-Erupting Volcanoes on CO2 Emissions: Debunking Misconceptions and Clarifying Misunderstandings

Introduction

The emissions from non-erupting volcanoes like Katla in Iceland have recently come under scrutiny as potential major contributors to global CO2 levels. Proponents of certain viewpoints claim that non-erupting volcanoes significantly impact CO2 calculations, challenging the established understanding of the role of humans in the global carbon cycle. However, a critical analysis of these claims reveals significant flaws and unsupported assertions.

Claim Analysis: James Kamis and Katla Volcano

James Matkin in an article by author James E. Kamis discusses the role of Katla volcano in producing CO2. Kamis suggests that natural volcanic and human-caused CO2 emissions share the same isotopic fingerprint, and argues that this impacts the calculations of CO2 emissions attributed to human activities and volcanoes. However, these claims are deeply flawed and unsupported by scientific research.

Kamis refers to a study by Gerlach, but misinterprets the findings. Gerlach's work, among others, indicates that volcanic CO2 emissions account for a small but significant percentage of total global emissions, with estimates ranging from 1-2% of human emissions. Kamis's assertion that Katla is a major emitter and that we need to reevaluate global estimates based on just 10 volcanoes is not supported by scientific evidence.

Isotopic Fingerprint: Key to Distinguishing Volcanic from Human CO2 Emissions

One of the critical arguments presented by Kamis is that natural volcanic and human CO2 emissions have identical isotopic signatures, making it impossible to distinguish their sources. However, this is a misrepresentation of scientific facts. While both natural volcanic and human CO2 emissions share some similarities, they can be distinctly separated based on their isotopic composition.

Carbon isotopes play a crucial role in distinguishing between volcanic and anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Volcanic CO2 typically has lower proportions of the isotope 13C compared to atmospheric CO2, due to the long geological timescales involved. In contrast, fossil fuels, derived from organic matter, have a higher concentration of 12C, leading to a lower 13C/12C ratio in the CO2 they produce. This difference is a key factor in differentiating volcanic from anthropogenic emissions, contrary to Kamis's claim.

Clearly Established Research Contradicts the Claims

Disputing the connection between volcanic and anthropogenic CO2 emissions is highly unscientific and goes against established research. External studies, such as ocean surface CO2 flux measurements and satellite observations of CO2 emissions, all point to human activities as the primary source of increased atmospheric CO2. These measurements not only contradict the points made by Kamis but also form a robust scientific consensus on the matter.

Conclusion: Viable and In-Viable Theories

The claims made by Kamis and other climate change deniers are not supported by scientific evidence and are at odds with well-established research. His assertion that volcanic emissions are the leading cause of rising CO2 levels is not only unsupported but contradicted by multiple lines of empirical evidence. The role of volcanic emissions, while significant, remains a minor contributor to the global carbon budget when compared to human activities.

Scientists are expected to be familiar with all relevant research and to resolve any discrepancies. The ideas presented by Kamis and others do not meet these standards and do not provide a plausible explanation for the steady increase in volcanic CO2 emissions since the Industrial Revolution. These theories not only ignore established research but also fail to acknowledge the well-substantiated role of human activities in carbon emissions.

Final Thoughts

The Katla study, while interesting, does not significantly alter our understanding of global CO2 levels. The research highlights the importance of measuring emissions from subglacial volcanoes but does not provide enough evidence to elevate volcanic emissions above those of human activities. The insistence of some individuals on propagating unsupported theories detracts from the scientific discourse and undermines the credibility of climate science.