Excess degassing of magmatic H2O and SO2 was observed at Izu-Oshima vo
lcano during its latest degassing activity from January 1988 to March
1990. The minimum production rate for degassed magma was calculated to
be about 1 x 10(9)(4) kg/s using emission rates of magmatic H2O and S
O2, and H2O and S contents of the magma. The minimum total volume of m
agma degassed during the 27-month period is estimated to be 2.6 x 10(8
) m3. This volume is 20 times larger than that of the magma ejected du
ring the 1986 summit eruption. Convective transport of magma through a
conduit is proposed as the mechanism that causes degassing from a mag
ma reservoir at several kilometers depth. The magma transport rate is
quantitatively evaluated based on two fluid-dynamic models: Poiseuille
flow in a concentric double-walled pipe, and ascent of non-degassed m
agma spheres through a conduit filled with degassed magma. This proces
s is further tested for an andesitic volcano and is concluded to be a
common process for volcanoes that discharge excess volatiles.