Coseismic geochemical variations in some gas emissions of Umbria region (Central Italy)

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.