Mantle-derived fluids in Central Mediterranean: Geochemical and geophysical constrains on sources of fluids and migration

The geodynamics of the central Mediterranean is characterized by the interaction between the European plate and the African’s. In this setting Sicily is a sector of the Appenine-Maghrebide accretionary prism, which is located between two areas affected by extensional tectonics (Sicily Channel to the south and the Thyrrenian back arc basin to the north). Significant mantle-derived helium (0.4<R/Ra<2.8; R=3He/4He in the sample, Ra in atmosphere) is found in the CH4 and N2-CO2 rich fluids released in central western Sicily, a region without evidence of recent magmatism. CH4- dominated gases are released from mud volcanoes localized in an area of both low heat flow and seismicity. On the contra…

Mantle-derived helium in sedimentary basins of Central Mediterranean:Geologic and tectonic constrains on fluids accumulation and migration.

The geodynamics of the central Mediterranean is characterized by the interaction between the European plate and the African one. In this setting Sicily is a sector of the Appenine-Maghrebide accretionary prism, which is located between two areas affected by extensional tectonics (Sicily Channel to the south and the Thyrrenian back arc basin to the north). In the present study we present the first dataset of helium isotopic composition measured in fluids released from the central-western Sicily.With the aim to constrain the transfer system of fluids in this area we relate the results of geochemical investigations with the stratigraphy and structural setting, derived from field geology, deep …

Elemental and isotope covariation of noble gases in olivines and pyroxenes from Etnean volcanics erupted during 2001-2005, and genetic relation with peripheral gas discharges. Implication for volcanic surveillance.

Trace elements and noble gases (He, Ne, Ar) isotopic study of Fuerteventura carbonatites: implications for their mantle source