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Structural controls on the emission of magmatic carbon dioxide gas, Long Valley Caldera, USA
Author(s) -
Lucic Gregor,
Stix John,
Wing Boswell
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: solid earth
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.983
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 2169-9356
pISSN - 2169-9313
DOI - 10.1002/2014jb011760
Subject(s) - caldera , geology , volcano , hydrothermal circulation , sedimentary rock , geochemistry , induced seismicity , dome (geology) , carbon dioxide , fault (geology) , geomorphology , seismology , chemistry , organic chemistry
We present a degassing study of Long Valley Caldera that explores the structural controls upon emissions of magmatic carbon dioxide gas. A total of 223 soil gas samples were collected and analyzed for stable carbon isotopes using a field‐portable cavity ring‐down spectrometer. This novel technique is flexible, accurate, and provides sampling feedback on a daily basis. Sampling sites included major and minor volcanic centers, regional throughgoing faults, caldera‐related structures, zones of elevated seismicity, and zones of past and present hydrothermal activity. The classification of soil gases based on their δ 13 C and CO 2 values reveals a mixing relationship among three end‐members: atmospheric, biogenic, and magmatic. Signatures dominated by biogenic contributions (~4 vol %, −24‰) are found on the caldera floor, the interior of the resurgent dome, and areas associated with the Hilton Creek and Hartley Springs fault systems. With the introduction of the magmatic component (~100 vol %, −4.5‰), samples acquire mixing and hydrothermal signatures and are spatially associated with the central caldera and Mammoth Mountain. In particular, they are concentrated along the southern margin of the resurgent dome where the interplay between resurgence‐related reverse faulting and a bend in the regional fault system has created a highly permeable fracture network, suitable for the formation of shallow hydrothermal systems. This contrasts with the south moat, where despite elevated seismicity, a thick sedimentary cover has formed an impermeable cap, inhibiting the ascent of fluids and gases to the surface.