Fumarolic alteration products at Sousaki (Greece) : occurrence and environmental impact

Fumarolic alteration crusts and efflorescences have been sampled at the Sousaki solfataric field. Samples have been analysed for mineralogical (XRD) and chemical composition (HNO3 digestion and leaching with distilled water). Results show that mineralogical and chemical compositions (major, minor and trace metals) are controlled by microenvironmental conditions. The sample collected in the anoxic part of a cave is composed almost exclusively by native sulfur. The samples collected in the oxidizing part of the cave and outside in relatively sheltered position are mainly composed by very soluble sulfates. Chemical composition evidence strong enrichments in Al, Ca, Cr, Fe, Mg and Ni which are …