Open AccessFirst observations of the fumarolic gas output from a restless caldera: Implications for the current period of unrest (2005–2013) at Campi Flegrei
Author(s) -
Aiuppa A.,
Tamburello G.,
Napoli R.,
Cardellini C.,
Chiodini G.,
Giudice G.,
Grassa F.,
Pedone M.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.928
H-Index - 136
ISSN - 1525-2027
DOI - 10.1002/ggge.20261
Subject(s) - caldera , fumarole , geology , volcano , hydrothermal circulation , magma , flux (metallurgy) , geochemistry , seismology , materials science , metallurgy
The fumarolic gas output has not been quantified for any of the currently deforming calderas worldwide, due to the lack of suitable gas flux sensing techniques. In view of resumption of ground uplift (since 2005) and the associated variations in gas chemistry, Campi Flegrei, in southern Italy, is one of the restless calderas where gas flux observations are especially necessary. Here we report the first ever obtained estimate of the Campi Flegrei fumarolic gas output, based on a set of MultiGAS surveys (performed in 2012 and 2013) with an ad‐hoc‐designed measurement setup. We estimate that the current Campi Flegrei fumarolic sulphur (S) flux is low, on the order of 1.5–2.2 tons/day, suggesting substantial scrubbing of magmatic S by the hydrothermal system. However, the fumarolic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) output is ∼460±160 tons/day (mean±SD), which is surprisingly high for a dormant volcano in the hydrothermal stage of activity, and results in a combined (fumaroles + soil) CO 2 output of ∼1560 tons/day. Assuming magma to be the predominant source, we propose that the current CO 2 output can be supplied by either (i) a large (0.6–4.6 km 3 ), deeply stored (>7 km) magmatic source with low CO 2 contents (0.05–0.1 wt%) or (ii) by a small to medium‐sized (∼0.01–0.1 km 3 ) but CO 2 ‐rich (2 wt%) magma, possibly stored at pressures of ∼100 to 120 MPa. Independent geophysical evidence (e.g., inferred from geodetic and gravity data) is needed to distinguish between these two possibilities.