0000000000082431
AUTHOR
P. M. Nuccio
showing 25 related works from this author
New insights into magma dynamics during last two eruptions of Mount Etna as inferred by geochemical monitoring from 2002 to 2005
2006
Two distinct eruptive events characterize the volcanic activity at Mount Etna during the 2002 to 2005 period. We identified signals of magma ascent preceding these eruptions by geochemical monitoring of both chemical composition and He-isotope ratio of gas emissions from five locations in the peripheral area of the volcano. The geochemical signals are interpreted using the models proposed by Caracausi et al. (2003a, 2003b) and allow identification of episodes of magma ascent and estimation of the pressures of degassing magma. As observed for the 2001 eruption (Caracausi et al., 2003b), magma ascent probably triggered the onset of the 2002–2003 eruption, and minor events of magma ascent were…
Geochemical surveillance of the Solfatara of Pozzuoli (Phlegraean Fields) during 1983
1984
Geochemical surveillance of the Phlegraean Fields area has been intensified since 1983, in response to the increased uplift rate (brady-seismic activity). Fumarolic gases from Solfatara (Pozzuoli) were sampled and analyzed monthly. A Reducing Capacity (RC) monitoring unit was installed at Soffione, the most active fumarole in the Solfatara system. The preliminary analysis of the RC temporal variations suggest they are consistent with the rate of the seismic energy release. The composition of fumarolic gases indicates that the equilibrium temperature and pressure are higher than those of sampling. The observed variations in CH4 content are explained as an increase of pressure (from 1982 to t…
Geochemical modeling of mixing between magmatic and hydrothermal gases: the case of Vulcano Island, Italy
1999
Abstract In this study we present a geochemical approach to model the mixing of magmatic and hydrothermal gases. Our model is based on a rigorous formulation of a perfectly dimensioned system of mass and energy balance equations. Inputs of the equation set are the H2O and CO2 content and gas emission temperature at the surface, together with some constraints gained from the chemical–physical features of the hydrothermal system. The output data give the composition of magmatic gas, mixing fractions and temperatures of gas mixtures in the mixing zone. The comparison of the emission temperature of fumarolic gases with their calculated mixing temperatures provides valuable indications on the ex…
CO2 and H2S concentrations in the atmosphere at the Solfatara of Pozzuoli
1984
The CO2 and H2S concentration in the Solfatara atmosphere has been measured. The concentrations of both gases are higher neraby the more active areas and decrease away from them. A sharp horizontal and vertical gradient of the CO2 content has been recognized.
Significance of earthquake-related anomalies in fluids of Val D'Agri (southern Italy)
2001
Geochemical investigations carried out at the Campano–Lucano Apennine (Southern Italy) revealed the presence of fluids composed of a mixing between components of shallow and deep origin, where mantle-derived helium is also detectable. For the gas phase, the deep component is represented by both CH4 and CO2-rich gases, while the shallow one is N2-dominated. Coinciding with the 3 April 1996 ML=4.9 earthquake, the CH4-rich component mixed with the shallow, N2-dominated one at the Tramutola well (Val d’Agri), displaying wide variations in mixing proportions. In contrast, no significant modifications occurred in relation to the 1998 ML=5.5 event. According to the collected data, an earthquake-re…
The Piancaldoli meteorite: A forgotten primitive LL3.10 ordinary chondrite
2020
International audience; The Piancaldoli ordinary chondrite fell in northern Italy on August 10, 1968. Preliminary studies led to its classification as an LL3.4 unequilibrated ordinary chondrite. However, recent developments in classification procedures have prompted us to re‐examine its mineralogical, petrographic, spectroscopic, chemical, and isotopic features in a multi‐technique study. Raman spectra and magnetic properties indicate that Piancaldoli experienced minimal thermal metamorphism, consistent with its high bulk hydrogen content and the Cr contents of ferroan olivines in its type II chondrules. In combination with findings of previous studies, our data thus confirm the variability…
Geothermal energy release at the Solfatara of Pozzuoli (Phlegraean Fields): Phreatic and phreatomagmatic explosion risk implications
1984
The H2O, CO2 and H2S outputs at the Solfatara of Pozzuoli have been measured and a map of the exhaling areas has also been made. The energy released at the surface by the fluids has been estimated to be 1019 ergs/day. The presence of aquifers at Phlegraean Fields increases the phreatic and phreatomagmatic explosion risk. Our results suggest that even if an uprising magma may interact with water at depth, an explosion could occur only at the shallow levels of a few hundred meters. Since the transfer of energy toward the surface is favoured by the presence of fractures, a detailed analysis of the deep fracture network would help to evaluate the risk levels of the various areas of Phlegraean F…
Investigation of the noble gas solubility in H2O–CO2 bearing silicate liquids at moderate pressure II: the extended ionic porosity (EIP) model
2000
A semi-theoretical model is proposed to predict partitioning of noble gases between any silicate liquid and a H2O–CO2 gas phase with noble gas as a minor component, in a large range of pressures (at least up to 300 MPa). The model is based on the relationship between the concentration of dissolved noble gas and ionic porosity of the melt, found by Carroll and Stolper [Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 57 (1993) 5039–5051] for H2O–CO2 free melts. It evaluates the effect of dissolved H2O and CO2 on the melt ionic porosity and, consequently on Henry’s constants of noble gases. The fugacities of the noble gases in the H2O–CO2–noble gas mixtures are also considered in our equilibrium calculations of diss…
Coseismic geochemical variations in some gas emissions of Umbria region (Central Italy)
2000
Abstract Coseismic geochemical variations have been detected in some gaseous vents and natural springs during the last seismic crisis occurred in Umbria region (Central Apennines), that started on September 26th, 1997 with several moderate earthquakes (up to M1 5.8). The results of chemical analyses performed on both gas and water samples taken at a weekly rate, combined with analyses on continuous gas flow rate nearby San Faustino site, suggest that the variations can be interpreted as possible consequence of the crustal permeability changes induced by earthquake shaking.
Helium–strontium isotope constraints on mantle evolution beneath the Roman Comagmatic Province, Italy
2004
- European Social Fund - Scottish Universities - Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland.
Mount Etna: Geochemical signals of magma ascent and unusually extensive plumbing system
2003
] FiveyearsofgasmonitoringfromselectedsitessuggestthatMtEtna’splumbingsystemismuchmoreextensivethanpreviously reported. It extends at least 40 km SW from thevolcano’s boundary along the NE-SW regional fault, whereit discharges about 200 tons/day of gas, containing heliumwith mantle-type isotopic composition. Synchronousvariations of
Volcanic steam output directly measured in fumaroles: the observed variations at Vulcano Island, Italy, between 1983 and 1987
1992
The mass of steam emitted by the fumaroles of the crater of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) was evaluated by using a direct measuring method. Measurements were effected with this method between 1983 and 1987 in nine field campaigns, the results of which are given in this paper. The steam flux measurements were performed by an instrument expressly designed for steam condensation. The estimates of the thermal energy transported daily by the steam gave values of up to 10E12 J. The sharp variations in the total mass outputs recorded in 1984 and 1985 are here interpreted as being a consequence of the probable accumulation of fluid pressure at depth, during the evolution of volcanic activity. Th…
Magmatic degassing of multicomponent vapors and assessment of magma depth: application to Vulcano Island (Italy)
2001
Degassing of magmatic H2O, CO2 and rare gases plays a major role in understanding large-scale Earth processes and in the assessment of volcanic activity. Here we describe a quantitative model for magmatic degassing of H2O–CO2–noble gas–N2 mixtures. Our modeling takes into account non-ideal behaviors by adopting recently developed approaches for the solubility of H2O–CO2 mixtures in silicate liquids and for noble gas partitioning in H2O–CO2 bearing magmas. This new approach allows quantitative treatment of inert gas fractionation throughout the degassing of any H2O–CO2 bearing natural magma in a wide range of thermo-baric conditions. Magma degassing simulations performed by our model have cl…
Massive submarine gas output during the volcanic unrest off Panarea Island (Aeolian arc, Italy): Inferences for explosive conditions
2005
The possibility of understanding natural processes leading to explosive events in volcanic systems provides advantages for a better management of possible volcanic crises. On account of the possibility of the occurrence of other phenomena, such as tsunamis, the explosions driven by submarine volcanic systems are of particular interest, although little investigated. The recent sudden increase in the degassing activity of the submarine geothermal system of Panarea Island (Aeolian arc), has allowed us to better understand the way in which the quiet degassing activity of a submarine hydrothermal system may develop if new magma or magmatic gases feed it. We focused our investigations on the crat…
Elemental and isotope covariation of noble gases in mineral phases from Etnean volcanics erupted during 2001–2005, and genetic relation with peripher…
2008
Abstract During 2001–2005, Mount Etna was characterized by intense eruptive activity involving the emission of petrologically different products from several vents, which involved at least two types of magma with different degrees of evolution. We investigated the ratios and abundances for noble-gas isotopes in fluid inclusions trapped in olivines and pyroxenes in the erupted products. We confirm that olivine has the most efficient crystalline structure for preserving the pristine composition of entrapped gases, while pyroxene can suffer diffusive He loss. Both the minerals also experience noble gas air contamination after eruption. Helium isotopes of the products genetically linked to the …
Constraints on mantle source and interactions from He-Sr isotope variation in Italian Plio-Quaternary volcanism
2008
[1] Helium isotope ratios of olivine and pyroxene phenocrysts from Plio-Quaternary volcanic rocks from southern Italy (seven Aeolian Islands, Mt. Vulture, Etna, Ustica, and Pantelleria) range from 2.3 to 7.1 Ra. Importantly, the phenocryst 3He/4He correlate well with whole rock Sr isotopic composition (0.70309–0.70711), reflecting the mixing of two sources. A significant contribution of He from crustal contamination is recorded only occasionally (e.g., pyroxenes from Vulcano). When merged with data from the Roman Comagmatic Province, a remarkably strong near-linear He-Sr isotope correlation is apparent. The general northward decrease in 3He/4He corresponds to an increase in 87Sr/86Sr (and a…
Geochemical heterogeneities in magma beneath Mount Etna recorded by 2001-2006 melt inclusions
2015
We present a geochemical study on olivine and clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions (MIs) from 2001 to 2006 Etna basaltic lavas and pyroclastites. Three MI suites are distinguished on the basis of trace element fingerprinting. Type-1 MIs (from 2001 Upper South and 2002 Northeast vents) share their trace element signature with low-K lavas erupted before 1971. Critical trace element ratios (e.g., K/La, Ba/Nb), along with Pb isotope data of Type-1 MIs provide evidence for a heterogeneous mantle source resulting from mixing of three end-members with geochemical and isotopic characteristics of EM2, DMM, and HIMU components. Type-1 MIs composition does not support involvement of subduction-related…
Genesis of fumarolic emissions as inferred by isotope mass balances: CO 2 and water at Vulcano Island, Italy
2002
We have developed a quantitative model of CO2 and H2O isotopic mixing between magmatic and hydrothermal gases for the fumarolic emissions of the La Fossa crater (Vulcano Island, Italy). On the basis of isotope balance equations, the model takes into account the isotope equilibrium between H2O and CO2 and extends the recent model of chemical and energy two-end-member mixing by Nuccio et al. (1999). As a result, the H2O and CO2 content and the δD, δ18O, and δ13C isotope compositions for both magmatic and hydrothermal end-members have been assessed. Low contributions of meteoric steam, added at a shallow depth, have been also recognized and quantified in the fumaroles throughout the period fro…
Investigation of the He solubility in H2O-CO2 bearing silicate liquids at moderate pressure: a new experimental method
2000
We have designed the first available experimental method capable to investigate the solubility of inert gases in H2O–CO2 bearing silicate melts in a large range of pressures. The method overcomes the difficulties imposed by the physical state of volatiles at room conditions. Experiments were done by using an internally heated pressure vessel, where sealed capsules containing the sample are introduced. The peculiarity of the method consists in the capability of loading, in accurately known proportions (even lower than ppm), volatiles in a gaseous state at room conditions. Gas is loaded as a weighed amount of a gas-bearing glass, which was previously prepared by using the same gas as a pressu…
Genesis of chlorine and sulphur in fumarolic emissions at Vulcano Island (Italy): assessment of pH and redox conditions in the hydrothermal system
2002
Chlorine- and sulphur-bearing compounds in fumarole discharges of the La Fossa crater at Vulcano Island (Italy) can be modelled by a mixing process between magmatic gases and vapour from a boiling hydrothermal system. This allows estimating the compounds in both endmembers. Magma degassing cannot explain the time variation of sulphur and HCl concentrations in the deep endmember, which are more probably linked to reactions of solid phases at depth, before mixing with the hydrothermal vapours. Based on the P–T conditions and speciation of the boiling hydrothermal system below La Fossa, the HCl and Stot contents in the hydrothermal vapours were used to compute the redox conditions and pH of th…
Amygdaloidal basalts: Isotopic and petrographic evidence for non-diagenetic crustal source of carbonate inclusions
1980
Even though carbonate amygdules in volcanics are generally assumed to be diagenetic in origin, the authors are of the opinion that almost all carbonate inclusions in the investigated amygdaloidal volcanic rocks from Sicily (Italy), Pindos (Greece) and Bohemia (Czechoslovakia), have a different origin. On the basis of a mineralogical, petrological and geochemical study these “amygdules” are interpreted as being remains ofmagmatic incorporation of carbonate. Therefore, the identification of carbonate globules in volcanics purely on field observations, is inadequate to distinguish true amygdules from carbonate assimilation remnants. A nomenclature of the various types of inclusions is proposed…
Genesis and evolution of the fumaroles of vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy): a geochemical model
1981
A geochemical model explaining the presence of fumaroles having different gas composition and temperature at the top of the crater and along the northeastern coast of Vulcano island is proposed. A pressurized biphase (liquid-vapor) reservoir at the depth of about 2 km is hypothesized. Energy and mass balance sheets controlP-T conditions in the system.P-T must vary along a boiling curve of brine as liquid is present. The CO2 content in the steam is governed by the thermodynamic properties of the fluids in the H2-NaCl-CO2 system. On the assumption that oxygen fugacity in the system is between the HM-FMQ oxygen buffers, observed SO2/H2S, CO2/CO, CO/CH4 ratios in the fumarolic gases at the Foss…
Changes in fluid geochemistry and physico-chemical conditions of geothermal systems caused by magmatic input: The recent abrupt outgassing off the is…
2005
Abstract Hydrothermal systems and related vents can exhibit dramatic changes in their physico-chemical conditions over time as a response to varying activity in the feeding magmatic systems. Massive steam condensation and gas scrubbing processes of thermal fluids during their ascent and cooling cause further compositional changes that mask information regarding the conditions evolving at depth in the hydrothermal system. Here we propose a new stability diagram based on the CO2-CH4-CO-H2 concentrations in vapor, which aims at calculating the temperatures and pressures in hydrothermal reservoirs. To filter gas scrubbing effects, we have also developed a model for selective dissolution of CO2-…
Evidence of a recent input of magmatic gases into the quiescent volcanic edifice of Panarea, Aeolian Islands, Italy
2004
- Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Osservatorio Vesuviano, Naples, Italy. - Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Palermo, Palermo, Italy. - Dipartimento Chimica e Fisica della Terra ed Applicazioni, Palermo, Italy.
Active geodynamics of the central Mediterranean Sea: Tensional tectonic evidences in western Sicily from mantle-derived helium
2005
[1] We report results on the measured high 3He/4He isotope ratio in western Sicily, interpreted together with the heat data. The study of this sector of the Europe-Africa interaction is crucial to a better understanding of the tectonics and the geodynamical evolution of the central Mediterranean area. The estimated mantle-derived helium fluxes in the investigated areas are up to 2–3 orders of magnitude greater than those of a stable continental area. The highest flux, found in the southernmost area near the Sicily Channel, where recent eruptions of the Ferdinandea Island occurred 20 miles out to sea off Sciacca, has been associated with a clear excess of heat flow. Our results indicate that…