Anomalous magmatic degassing prior to the 5th April 2003 paroxysm on Stromboli

A major explosion occurred at Stromboli on April 5 2003, being the most powerful event over a period of exceptional eruptive activity lasting from December to July. Here, we describe results from a network of diffusive tubes set up on the Stromboli's summit area, aimed at a characterisation of plume composition (SO 2 , HCl, HF) prior to and after April 5. Data analysis revealed anomalous sulphur degassing 2–3 days before the event, when SO 2 /HCl ratios (≈9) significantly higher than those typical of quiescent degassing (≈1) were recorded. We interpret this exceptional plume signature as an evidence of S‐rich magmas ascending in the shallow plumbing system, and propose high SO 2 /HCl as a potential precursor of major explosions on the volcano. The post‐April 5 phase was characterised by time‐decreasing SO 2 /HCl and SO 2 /HF plume ratios, ascribed to declining magma feeding as a prelude to restoration of “normal” Strombolian activity.