CO2 Dynamics in a Mofette: Measurement and Modeling

We investigated the CO2 emissions in a mofette gas pool located in Covasna, Romania. Using a custom-built remote multi-sensor device, we monitored the gas concentrations, temperature, and pressure for seven months. The measurements showed both diurnal cycles and short-term bursts of CO2 emissions along with instances of erratic yield anomalies. We employed the convection–diffusion equation to estimate gas flow rates without altering the natural state of the mofette. Additionally, we developed a model that uses the measured pressure and temperature to predict the CO2 outflow yield. The model’s overall predictions approximate well the observed CO2 flux. However, the subtle mismatches between these two suggest that subsurface geological processes, which require further investigation, may also influence the gas flow. This research provides insights into the dynamics of focused CO2 emissions, with potential applications in environmental monitoring and therapeutic practices.