0000000001110858
AUTHOR
Francesco Frondini
Carbon dioxide degassing from Tuscany and Northern Latium (Italy)
Abstract The CO 2 degassing process from a large area on the Tyrrhenian side of central Italy, probably related to the input into the upper crust of mantle fluids, was investigated in detail through the geochemical study of gas emissions and groundwater. Mass-balance calculations and carbon isotopes show that over 50% of the inorganic carbon in regional groundwater is derived from a deep source highlighting gas−liquid separation processes at depth. The deep carbonate−evaporite regional aquifer acts as the main CO 2 reservoir and when total pressure of the reservoir fluid exceeds hydrostatic pressure, a free gas phase separates from the parent liquid and escapes toward the surface generating…
Quantification of deep CO2 fluxes from Central Italy. Examples of carbon balance for regional aquifers and of soil diffuse degassing.
Abstract In Central Italy non-volcanic CO 2 is discharged by focused degassing (strong diffuse emission and vents) and by high-CO 2 groundwater. 3 He / 4 He data and the carbon isotopic composition of CO 2 are compatible with derivation from mantle degassing and/or metamorphic decarbonation. The gases produced at depth accumulate in permeable reservoirs composed of Mesozoic carbonates. When total pressure (roughly corresponding to p CO 2 ) of the reservoir fluid exceeds hydrostatic pressure, a free gas phase forms gas reservoirs within the permeable host rocks from which gases may escape toward the surface. This process generates both the focused vents and the CO 2 -rich springs which chara…