Surface fluid convection during Cordilleran extension and the generation of metamorphic CO2 contributions to Cenozoic atmospheres

Modeling of hydrogeological regimes associated with crustal extension indicate that flux values for deeply convected meteoric water are on the order of 10^-3 m³ ċ m^-2 ċ yr^-1. Calculated CO₂ fluxes produced by infiltration-driven, metamorphic decarbonation reactions along the circulation path are 2.4 × 10^-4 m³ ċ m^-2 ċ yr^-1. Appication of the model to Cenozoic extension in the North American Cordillera demonstrates that CO₂ generated in this manner may have been a major contributor to elevated CO₂ contents of Cenozoic atmospheres and the resulting global warming due to CO₂ greenhouse effect.