The size and number of bubbles produced by the desorption of supersaturated gases from water are shown to be a primary function of the energy available for bubble formation in a flowing system; this energy is that not dissipated in turbulence and friction. The number of nucleation sites is greatly increased when certain impurities are present, particularly surface-active agents. Low saturation pressures can produce very large numbers of very small bubbles when added energy is provided for discharge. High gas concentrations produce excess large bubbles which pass up rapidly through the much slower rising bubble mass. A combination of low saturation pressure followed by higher pressure for flow, such as by liquid pumping, results in bubble characteristics which can be controlled for applications.