0000000000217625
AUTHOR
Cinzia Federico
Rates of carbon dioxide plume degassing from Mount Etna volcano,
We report here on the real-time measurement of CO2 and SO2 concentrations in the near-vent volcanic gas plume of Mount Etna, acquired by the use of a field portable gas analyzer during a series of periodic field surveys on the volcano's summit. During the investigated period (September 2004 to September 2005), the plume CO2/SO2 ratio ranged from 1.9 to 10.8, with contrasting composition for Northeast and Voragine crater plumes. Scaling the above CO2/SO2 ratios by UV spectroscopy determined SO2 emission rates, we estimate CO2 emission rates from the volcano in the range 0.9-67.5 kt d-1 (average, 9 kt d-1). About 2 kt of CO2 were emitted daily on average during quiescent passive degassing, wh…
Natural and anthropogenic factors affecting groundwater quality of an active volcano (Mt. Etna, Italy)
Abstract New geochemical data on dissolved major and minor constituents in 276 groundwater samples from Etna aquifers reveal the main processes responsible for their geochemical evolution and mineralisation. This topic is of particular interest in the light of the progressive depletion of water resources and groundwater quality in the area. Multivariate statistical analysis reveal 3 sources of solutes: (a) the leaching of the host basalt, driven by the dissolution of magma-derived CO2; (b) mixing processes with saline brines rising from the sedimentary basement below Etna; (c) contamination from agricultural and urban wastewaters. The last process, highlighted by increased concentrations of…
Crater Gas Emissions and the Magma Feeding System of Stromboli Volcano
Quiescent and explosive magma degassing at Stromboli volcano sustains high-temperature crater gas venting and a permanent volcanic plume which constitute key sources of information on the magma supply and dynamics, the physical processes controlling the explosive activity and, more broadly, the volcano feeding system. The chemical composition and the mass output of these crater emissions (gases, trace metals, radioactive isotopes) were measured using different methodologies: within-plume airborne measurements, ground-based plume filtering, and/or in situ analysis, remote UV and open-path Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. The results obtained, summarized in this paper, demo…
Emission of bromine and iodine from Mount Etna volcano
[1] Constraining fluxes of volcanic bromine and iodine to the atmosphere is important given the significant role these species play in ozone depletion. However, very few such measurements have been made hitherto, such that global volcanic fluxes are poorly constrained. Here we extend the data set of volcanic Br and I degassing by reporting the first measurements of bromine and iodine emissions from Mount Etna. These data were obtained using filter packs and contemporaneous ultraviolet spectroscopic SO2 flux measurements, resulting in time-averaged emission rates of 0.7 kt yr−1 and 0.01 kt yr−1 for Br and I, respectively, from April to October 2004, from which we estimate global Br and I flu…
S, Cl and F degassing as an indicator of volcanic dynamics: The 2001 eruption of Mount Etna
[1] The recent eruption of Mount Etna (July 2001) offered the opportunity to analyze magma-derived volatiles emitted during pre- and syn-eruptive phases, and to verify whether their composition is affected by changes in volcanic dynamics. This paper presents the results of analyses of F, Cl and S in the volcanic plume collected by filter-packs, and interprets variations in the composition based on contrasting solubility in magmas. A Rayleigh-type degassing mechanism was used to fit the acquired data and to estimate Henry's solubility constant ratios in Etnean basalt. This model provided insights into the dynamics of the volcano. Abundances of sulfur and halogens in eruptive plumes may help …
Trace metal modeling of groundwater–gas–rock interactions in a volcanic aquifer: Mount Vesuvius, Southern Italy
We report a detailed study of trace metals in groundwaters from the Somma-Vesuvius volcanic complex and present a model of the chemical processes that control the fate of these components during gas–water–rock interactions. Trace metal concentrations in Vesuvian groundwaters range from 0.01 to 0.1 Ag/l for ultra-trace elements (Sb, Cs, Co, Cd, and Pb) up to 0.1–10 mg/l for minor elements (Fe and Sr), leading to water–rock ratios from ~0.5 to 10 � 9 when normalized to trace element concentrations in the host rocks. Our results indicate non-isochemical dissolution of local volcanic rocks by groundwaters, during which mobile trace elements (As, Se, Mo, V, Li) are enriched and elements such as …
Isotope geochemistry of Pantelleria volcanic fluids, Sicily Channel rift: a mantle volatile end-member for volcanism in southern Europe
Chemical and isotopic ratio (He, C, H and O) analysis of hydrothermal manifestations on Pantelleria island, the southernmost active volcano in Italy, provides us with the first data upon mantle degassing through the Sicily Channel rift zone, south of the African–European collision plate boundary. We find that Pantelleria fluids contain a CO2–He-rich gas component of mantle magmatic derivation which, at shallow depth, variably interacts with a main thermal (∼100°C) aquifer of mixed marine–meteoric water. The measured 3He/4He ratios and δ13C of both the free gases (4.5–7.3 Ra and −5.8 to −4.2‰, respectively) and dissolved helium and carbon in waters (1.0–6.3 Ra and −7.1 to −0.9‰), together wi…
Quantitative models of hydrothermal fluid–mineral reaction: The Ischia case
Abstract The intricate pathways of fluid–mineral reactions occurring underneath active hydrothermal systems are explored in this study by applying reaction path modelling to the Ischia case study. Ischia Island, in Southern Italy, hosts a well-developed and structurally complex hydrothermal system which, because of its heterogeneity in chemical and physical properties, is an ideal test sites for evaluating potentialities/limitations of quantitative geochemical models of hydrothermal reactions. We used the EQ3/6 software package, version 7.2b, to model reaction of infiltrating waters (mixtures of meteoric water and seawater in variable proportions) with Ischia’s reservoir rocks (the Mount Ep…
The 2007 eruption of Stromboli volcano: Insights from real-time measurement of the volcanic gas plume CO2/SO2 ratio
Abstract The recent eruption of Stromboli in February–April 2007 offered a unique chance to test our current understanding of processes driving the transition from ordinary (persistent Strombolian) to effusive activity, and the ability of instrumental geophysical and geochemical networks to interpret and predict these events. Here, we report on the results of two years of in-situ sensing of the CO 2 /SO 2 ratio in Stromboli's volcanic gas plume, in the attempt to put constraints on the trigger mechanisms and dynamics of the eruption. We show that large variations of the plume CO 2 /SO 2 ratio (range, 0.9–26) preceded the onset of the eruption (since December 2007), interrupting a period of …
Forecasting Etna eruptions by real-time observation of volcanic gas composition
It is generally accepted, but not experimentally proven, that a quantitative prediction of volcanic eruptions is possible from the evaluation of volcanic gas data. By discussing the results of two years of real-time observation of H2O, CO2, and SO2 in volcanic gases from Mount Etna volcano, we unambiguously demonstrate that increasing CO2/SO2 ratios can allow detection of the pre-eruptive degassing of rising magmas. Quantitative modeling by the use of a saturation model allows us to relate the pre-eruptive increases of the CO2/SO2 ratio to the refilling of Etna's shallow conduits with CO2-rich deep-reservoir magmas, leading to pressurization and triggering of eruption. The advent of real-ti…
SEW – Save the Etna World
At more than 3,330 m high and ~40 km wide, Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, is the highestvolcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. Etna stands majesticwherever you look at it, showing a distinctive skyline from each side. More than 200,000people live around its mid-slopes, while another 300,000 are in the biggest city, Catania,located at its southern lower slope. The volcano is so imposing that there are manydifferent landscapes and habitats, often highly dissimilar. Ente Parco dell’Etna (EtnaPark) is the institution, started in 1987, covering the core of the volcano, protecting itsbiodiversity, ecosystems and landscapes, and lastly promoting the sustainabledevelopment of loca…
The aquatic geochemistry of arsenic in volcanic groundwaters from southern Italy
Abstract This paper discusses the abundance, speciation and mobility of As in groundwater systems from active volcanic areas in Italy. Using literature data and new additional determinations, the main geochemical processes controlling the fate of As during gas–water–rock interaction in these systems are examined. Arsenic concentrations in the fluids range from 0.1 to 6940 μg/l, with wide differences observed among the different volcanoes and within each area. The dependence of As content on water temperature, pH, redox potential and major ions is investigated. Results demonstrate that As concentrations are highest where active hydrothermal circulation takes place at shallow levels, i.e. at …
Magma-derived gas influx and water-rock interactions in the volcanic aquifer of Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
We report in this paper a systematic investigation of the chemical and isotopic composition of groundwaters flowing in the volcanic aquifer of Mt. Vesuvius during its current phase of dormancy, including the first data on dissolved helium isotope composition and tritium content. The relevant results on dissolved He and C presented in this paper reveal that an extensive interaction between rising magmatic volatiles and groundwaters currently takes place at Vesuvius.Vesuvius groundwaters are dilute (mean TDS ∼ 2800 mg/L) hypothermal fluids ( mean T = 17.7°C) with a prevalent alkaline-bicarbonate composition. Calcium-bicarbonate groundwaters normally occur on the surrounding Campanian Plain, l…
Dissolved major and trace elements in meteoric depositions on the flanks of Mt. Etna (Italy): the impact of volcanic activity on the environment
In the framework of the “Save the Etna World” research project, which investigates the impact of the volcanic activity on the surrounding environment, three bulk collectors were deployed on the flank of the Mt. Etna volcano to collect the meteoric depositions. The sampling sites were at distances between 5.5 and 13 km from the summit vents of the volcano on its eastern flank, that is the most exposed to the volcanic plume due to the high-altitude prevailing winds direction. The sites were selected in order to have a gradient of exposition with respect to the volcanic emissions, the most exposed being CIT, the intermediate ILI and the least NIC. Samples were collected monthly from July 2017 …
Evaluation of the environmental impact of volcanic emissions from the chemistry of rainwater: Mount Etna area (Sicily)
Abstract The S, halogen and NO 3 contents of rainwater samples from the Etnean area were studied in order to define the environmental impact of plume emissions on the local environment. Samples, collected on a network of 11 bulk rain gauges, show significant variability in anion content, which can be ascribed to different meteorological and environmental conditions at each sampling site and to a variable distance from the different source areas. Data analysis suggests that S, F, Cl and Br are mainly magma-derived, whereas NO 3 mainly originates from anthropogenic sources. Samples collected from sites close to craters display considerable temporal variability, with increased anion concentrat…
Geochemical monitoring of groundwaters (1998-2001) at Vesuvius volcano (Italy)
This work presents the results of hydrogeochemical studies carried out at Vesuvius during the period May 1998-December 2001, mostly focusing on compositional time variations observed during this time. Based on their chemistry, groundwater samples are distinguished into two groups, 1 and 2, representative of water circulation in the southern and northern sectors of the volcano, respectively. Waters from group 1 are typically more acidic, warmer, and more saline than those of group 2. They also have higher CO2 and CH4 contents, attributed to enhanced input of deep-rising volatiles and prolonged water-rock interactions. Time-series highlight the fairly constant chemical composition of the enti…
Inhibition of miR-21 restores RANKL/OPG ratio in multiple myeloma-derived bone marrow stromal cells and impairs the resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts.
// Maria Rita Pitari 1 , Marco Rossi 1 , Nicola Amodio 1 , Cirino Botta 1 , Eugenio Morelli 1 , Cinzia Federico 1 , Annamaria Gulla 1 , Daniele Caracciolo 1 , Maria Teresa Di Martino 1 , Mariamena Arbitrio 2 , Antonio Giordano 3, 4 , Pierosandro Tagliaferri 1 , Pierfrancesco Tassone 1, 4 1 Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and T. Campanella Cancer Center, Magna Graecia University, S. Venuta University Campus, Catanzaro, Italy 2 ISN-CNR, Roccelletta di Borgia, Catanzaro, Italy 3 Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy 4 Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology,…
Replacement of miR-155 Elicits Tumor Suppressive Activity and Antagonizes Bortezomib Resistance in Multiple Myeloma
Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been associated to the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). While miR-155 is considered a therapeutic target in several malignancies, its role in MM is still unclear. The analysis of miR-155 expression indicates its down-regulation in MM patient-derived as compared to healthy plasma cells, thus pointing to a tumor suppressor role in this malignancy. On this finding, we investigated miR-155 replacement as a potential anti-tumor strategy in MM. The miR-155 enforced expression triggered anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in vitro. Given the lower miR-155 levels in bortezomib-resistant as compared to sensitive MM cells, we analyzed the p…
Crustal dynamics of Mount Vesuvius from 1998 to 2005: Effects on seismicity and fluid circulation
[1] This paper presents the results of hydrogeochemical and seismological studies carried out at Mount Vesuvius during the period June 1998 to December 2005. Hydrogeochemical data show the occurrence of slowly varying long-term variations in the total dissolved salts and bicarbonate contents of the groundwaters, accompanied by a general decline in water temperatures. The temporal distributions of air temperature and rainfall in the Vesuvius area suggest that these variations do not depend on changes in the hydrological regime. The changes in the geochemical parameters are accompanied by slight variations in both the seismicity rate and energy release. A further relationship between seismic …
CO2 degassing at La Solfatara volcano (Phlegrean Fields): Processes affecting and of soil CO2
Abstract The soil CO2 degassing is affected by processes of isotope exchange and fractionation during transport across the soil, which can deeply modify the pristine isotope composition. This has been observed in the Solfatara volcano, upon a field survey of 110 points, where the CO2 flux was measured, together with temperature, CO2 concentration and oxygen and carbon isotopes within the soil. Furthermore, in some selected sites, the measurements were made at different depths, in order to analyze vertical gradients. Oxygen isotope composition appears controlled by exchange with soil water (either meteoric or fumarolic condensate), due to the fast kinetic of the isotopic equilibrium between …
Plume chemistry provides insights into mechanisms of sulfur and halogen degassing in basaltic volcanoes
Abstract This paper deals with sulfur, chlorine and fluorine abundances in the eruptive volcanic plume of the huge October 2002–January 2003 eruption of Mount Etna, aiming at relating the relevant compositional variations observed throughout with changes in eruption dynamics and degassing mechanisms. The recurrent sampling of plume acidic volatiles by filter-pack methodology revealed that, during the study period, S/Cl and Cl/F ratios ranged from 0.1–6.8 and 0.9–5.6, respectively. Plume S/Cl ratios increased by a factor of ∼10 as volcanic activity drifted from paroxysmal lava fountaining (mid- and late November) to passive degassing and minor effusion (early January), and then decreased to …
Hydrothermal buffering of the SO2/H2S ratio in volcanic gases: Evidence from La Fossa Crater fumarolic field, Vulcano Island
[1] Sulfur speciation in volcanic gases is a potentially valuable tracer of degassing processes at volcanoes. Hitherto, observations of sulfur speciation in volcanic gas plumes have however been limited both in number and quality. Here, we report on periodic measurements of SO2 to H2S proportions in the volcanic gases from La Fossa volcano (Vulcano Island) performed during 2004–2006, a period which encompasses two heating events of the fumarolic field in January–April 2005 and December 2005. Results indicate a systematic relative increase (by a factor of 2–6) of SO2 to H2S proportions in the fumaroles during the heating events, which we ascribe to a temperature increase in the mixing zone b…
Degassing of trace volatile metals during the 2001 eruption of Etna
This paper provides new data on sulfur, halogens, and minor and trace metal contents in airborne particulate matter from the Mt. Etna volcanic plume. Aerosol samples were collected by conventional filtration techniques before and during the summer 2001 eruption, in order to investigate relations between plume chemistry and volcano dynamics. Data analysis reveals that abundances of trace metals in the plume result from mixing of erosive and volatile components. The former is responsible for the contents of rare earth elements (REE), Ca, Ba, Sr, Ti, Sc, Y, Hf and Th; the latter contributes significantly to the abundance of Cs, Rb, Na and K, probably transported in the plume as metal halides, …
Volcanic plume monitoring at Mount Etna by diffusive (passive) sampling
[1] This paper reports the use of diffusive tubes in determining HF, HCl, and SO2 in the volcanic plume of Mount Etna in an attempt to highlight the potential of this method in studying volcanoes. In a first application a network of 18 diffusive tubes was installed on Etna's flanks, aimed at evaluating the atmospheric dispersion of the volcanic plume on a local scale. Results showed a monotonic decrease in volatile air concentrations with distance from the craters (HF from 0.15 to <0.003 μmol m−3, HCl from 2 to <0.01 μmol m−3, and SO2 from 11 to 0.04 μmol m−3), revealing the prevalently volcanic contribution. Matching of SO2/HCl and HCl/HF volatile ratios with contemporaneous measurements a…
Chemical mapping of a fumarolic field: La Fossa Crater, Vulcano Island (Aeolian Islands, Italy)
[1] The performance of a newly-developed portable gas analyzer, capable of real-time measurement of CO2, SO2 and H2S concentrations in volcanic gases, was tested at La Fossa Crater, Vulcano Island. The gas analyzer was used to acquire about 3000 determinations over the fumarolic field, allowing the definition of its chemical structure and heterogeneity. Our high-resolution analysis reveals that, in December 2004, the La Fossa fumarolic field was characterized by an oxidized inner core (SO2/H2S ratios of ∼3), and by more reducing conditions on its northern edge (SO2/H2S ratios of ∼1; range: 0.2–3.3). CO2/(SO2+H2S) molar ratios averaged 35 ± 21, with overlapping compositions for rim and inner…
Mineral control of arsenic content in thermal waters from volcano-hosted hydrothermal systems: Insights from island of Ischia and Phlegrean Fields (Campanian Volcanic Province, Italy)
This paper documents arsenic concentrations in 157 groundwater samples from the island of Ischia and the Phlegrean Fields, two of the most active volcano-hosted hydrothermal systems from the Campanian Volcanic Province (Southern Italy), in an attempt to identify the environmental conditions and mineral-solution reactions governing arsenic aqueous cycling. On Ischia and in the Phlegrean Fields, groundwaters range in composition from NaCl brines, which we interpret as the surface discharge of deep reservoir fluids, to shallow-depth circulating fluids, the latter ranging from acid-sulphate steam-heated to hypothermal, cold, bicarbonate groundwaters. Arsenic concentrations range from 1.6 to 690…
Impact of acidic volcanic emissions on ash leaching and on the bioavailability and mobility of trace metals in soils of Mt Etna
We report on original geochemical data, which combine the rainfall trace metal contents from three different areas of Mt. Etna, variably fumigated by the volcanic plume, and those from soils, collected over the whole volcano. Trace element contents in rainfall appear mostly related to acidic ash leaching, while only for the most volatile elements (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Sb, Tl, Se) we suggest a derivation from magmatic degassing. We analyzed separately the labile fraction of soil samples, considered the fraction bioavailable to plants and soil organisms living in. The complexing medium used to extract the bioavailable fraction simulates the growth environment of plant roots.The contents of tra…
Oxygen isotope composition of natural waters in the Mt. Etna area
Oxygen isotopes of both rainwater and groundwater samples from Mt Etna were used to obtain information on recharge areas, flow paths, and the origin of wet air masses. Oxygen isotope composition was determined in rainwater samples collected for a period of 3 years (October 1997– October 2000), in 11 rain-gauges distributed along the flanks of Mt Etna from sea level to 2900 m of altitude. Values ranged from 213.8 to þ 1.9‰, the lowest values being measured at higher altitudes and/or during cooler periods. For rain-gauges located from sea level up to 1000 m altitude, volume weighted values defined an isotopic gradient of 22.7‰/km, which is in the range observed in the Mediterranean area. High…
Diffuse degassing of carbon dioxide at Somma-Vesuvius volcanic complex (Southern Italy) and its relation with regional tectonics
Abstract A systematic survey of soil CO 2 concentrations was carried out on the flanks of Somma–Vesuvius volcano in order to constrain possible pathways responsible of carbon dioxide diffuse degassing taking place during the present state of quiescence. Measurements were performed at 1162 sites in late winter–spring 2000, highlighting that soil CO 2 concentrations range from 50 to 10500 ppmV. A statistical analysis was developed in order to define the threshold value of anomaly and separate the biogenic CO 2 component, produced by soil respiration, from the inorganic component of deep provenance. A computer routine was also elaborated to interpret the grid of CO 2 anomalous concentration va…
Anomalous magmatic degassing prior to the 5th April 2003 paroxysm on Stromboli
[1] A major explosion occurred at Stromboli on April 5 2003, being the most powerful event over a period of exceptional eruptive activity lasting from December to July. Here, we describe results from a network of diffusive tubes set up on the Stromboli's summit area, aimed at a characterisation of plume composition (SO2, HCl, HF) prior to and after April 5. Data analysis revealed anomalous sulphur degassing 2–3 days before the event, when SO2/HCl ratios (≈9) significantly higher than those typical of quiescent degassing (≈1) were recorded. We interpret this exceptional plume signature as an evidence of S-rich magmas ascending in the shallow plumbing system, and propose high SO2/HCl as a pot…