Search results for "Vulcan"

Phase petrology reveals shallow magma storage prior to large explosive silicic eruptions at Hekla volcano, Iceland

2017

Abstract Understanding the conditions that culminate in explosive eruptions of silicic magma is of great importance for volcanic hazard assessment and crisis mitigation. However, geological records of active volcanoes typically show a wide range of eruptive behavior and magnitude, which can vary dramatically for individual eruptive centers. In order to evaluate possible future scenarios of eruption precursors, magmatic system variables for different eruption types need to be constrained. Here we use petrological experiments and microanalysis of crystals to clarify the P – T – x state under which rhyodacitic melts accumulated prior to the H3 eruption; the largest Holocene Plinian eruption of…

The percolation threshold and permeability evolution of ascending magmas

2017

Abstract The development of gas permeability in magmas is a complex phenomenon that directly influences the style of a volcanic eruption. The emergence of permeability is linked to the concept of percolation threshold, which is the point beyond which gas bubbles are connected in a continuous network that allows gas escape. Measurements of the percolation threshold, however, range from ∼30 to 78 vol%. No known combination of parameters can explain such a wide range of threshold values, which affects our understanding of the relationship between percolation and permeability. We present permeability calculations on bubble-bearing rhyolitic melts that underwent experimental decompression. Sampl…

2017

Information about past volcanic impact on climate is mostly derived from historic documentary data and sulfate depositions in polar ice sheets. Although these archives have provided important insights into the Earth's volcanic eruption history, the climate forcing and exact dating of many events is still vague. Here we apply a new method of break detection to the first millennium-length maximum latewood density reconstruction of Northern Hemisphere summer temperatures to develop an alternative record of large volcanic eruptions. The analysis returns fourteen outstanding cooling events, all of which agree well with recently developed volcanic forcing records from high-resolution bipolar ice …

Sulphur-gas concentrations in volcanic and geothermal areas in Italy and Greece: Characterising potential human exposures and risks

2013

Abstract Passive samplers were used to measure the atmospheric concentrations of SO 2 naturally emitted at three volcanoes in Italy (Etna, Vulcano and Stromboli) and of H 2 S naturally emitted at three volcanic/geothermal areas in Greece (Milos, Santorini and Nisyros). The measured concentrations and dispersion patterns varied with the strength of the source (open conduits or fumaroles), the meteorological conditions and the area topography. At Etna, Vulcano and Stromboli, SO 2 concentrations reach values that are dangerous to people affected by bronchial asthma or lung diseases (> 1000 μg m − 3 ). H 2 S values measured at Nisyros also exceed the limit considered safe for the same group of …

Passive vs. active degassing modes at an open-vent volcano (Stromboli, Italy)

2012

Abstract We report here on a UV-camera based field experiment performed on Stromboli volcano during 7 days in 2010 and 2011, aimed at obtaining the very first simultaneous assessment of all the different forms (passive and active) of SO 2 release from an open-vent volcano. Using the unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution of the UV camera, we obtained a 0.8 Hz record of the total SO 2 flux from Stromboli over a timeframe of ∼14 h, which ranged between 0.4 and 1.9 kg s −1 around a mean value of 0.7 kg s −1 and we concurrently derived SO 2 masses for more than 130 Strombolian explosions and 50 gas puffs. From this, we show erupted SO 2 masses have a variability of up to one order of mag…

Gas geochemistry and CO2 output estimation at the island of Milos, Greece

2018

Abstract Twenty gas samples have been collected from the natural gas manifestations of Milos Island, the majority of which is found underwater along its coast. Furthermore, three anomalous degassing fumarolic areas (Kalamos, Paleochori and Adamas) have been recognized on-land. Almost all the gases are CO2-dominated with CO2 ranging from 88 to 99% vol for the samples taken underwater, while the on-land manifestations show a wider range (15–98%) due to air contamination. Methane reaches up to 1.0% vol, H2 up to 3.2% vol and H2S up to 3.5% vol indicating a hydrothermal origin of the gases. The isotope composition of He points out to mantle contributions up to 45%, while the C-isotope compositi…

Pathways and fate of REE in the shallow hydrothermal aquifer of Vulcano island (Italy)

2019

Abstract We investigated the geochemical behaviour of major and Rare Earth Elements (REE), together with oxygen and deuterium isotopic composition in the aquifer of Vulcano, the southernmost island of the Aeolian archipelago (Italy). Studied wells, located at different distances from the crater, are characterised by different contributions of the rising volcanic fluids. In particular, those located in the proximity of La Fossa crater are affected by a strong interaction with volcanic-hydrothermal fluids and show REE behaviour similar to that of fresh rocks, suggesting a congruent dissolution of the solid matrix. Samples from the other wells, located in an area where the volcanic deposits ar…

Mercury gas emissions from La Soufrière Volcano, Guadeloupe Island (Lesser Antilles)

2009

Abstract Quantifying mercury (Hg) emissions from active volcanoes is of particular interest for better constraining the global cycle and environmental impact of this highly toxic element. Here we report on the abundance of total gaseous (TGM = Hg 0 (g)  + Hg II (g) ) and particulate (Hg (p) ) mercury in the summit gas emissions of La Soufriere andesitic volcano (Guadeloupe island, Lesser Antilles), where enhanced degassing of mixed hydrothermal-magmatic volatiles has been occurring since 1992 from the Southern summit crater. We demonstrate that Hg in volcanic plume occurs predominantly as gaseous mercury, with a mean TGM/Hg (p) mass ratio of ~ 63. Combining the mean TGM/H 2 S mass ratio of …

A New Web-Based Catalog of Earth Degassing Sites in Italy

2008

Italy is a region characterized by intense and widespread processes of Earth degassing. High-temperature gases are released by crater plumes and fumaroles in volcanic environments throughout Italy. Also prevalent are numerous low-temperature gas emissions rich in carbon dioxide (CO2). These low-temperature emissions are located in a large area, mainly in the western sector of central and southern Italy (Figure 1).

Application and evaluation of biomagnetic and biochemical monitoring of the dispersion and deposition of volcanically-derived particles at Mt. Etna, …

2010

article i nfo Article history: Received 6 August 2009 Accepted 4 January 2010 Available online xxxx Biomagnetic monitoring, using tree leaves as passive surfaces for particle collection, has been shown to be a promising technique for assessing the dispersion and deposition of particles in the context of anthropogenic pollution. By comparing leaves' magnetic properties with trace metal levels measured in the leaves, we here assess the utility of the biomagnetic technique as a sensitive, fast and inexpensive method for assessment of volcanic plume deposition. Samples of sweet chestnut leaves (Castanea sativa) were collected from the area surrounding Mt. Etna volcano in Sicily during the 2008 …