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…