If outgassing of volcanoes continues today, why aren't the ocean basins accumulating more and more water? By now, after 4 billion years since the origin of the oceans, shouldn't the oceans have completely covered the continents?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The outgassing of volcanoes does contribute to the water content of the Earth's oceans, but it is not the only factor at play. The water cycle, which includes processes such as evaporation, precipitation, and runoff, helps to regulate the amount of water in the ocean basins. Additionally, the movement of tectonic plates and the formation of new land through processes such as erosion and sedimentation also play a role in maintaining the balance of water on Earth.

Furthermore, the Earth's climate and temperature have fluctuated over the past 4 billion years, leading to periods of glaciation and ice ages that have influenced the distribution of water on the planet. These natural processes have prevented the oceans from completely covering the continents, despite the ongoing outgassing of volcanoes.

In summary, while the outgassing of volcanoes does contribute to the water content of the oceans, there are a variety of geological and climatic factors that work together to regulate the distribution of water on Earth. As a result, the oceans have not completely covered the continents, even after 4 billion years since their origin.

If Outgassing of Volcanoes Continues Today, Why Aren't the Ocean