Diffuse CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> degassing at Vesuvio,Italy

At Vesuvio, a significant fraction of the rising hydrothermal–volcanic fluids is subjected to a condensation and separation process producing a CO₂–rich gas phase, mainly expulsed through soil diffuse degassing from well defined areas called diffuse degassing structures (DDS), and a liquid phase that flows towards the outer part of the volcanic cone. A large amount of thermal energy is associated with the steam condensation process and subsequent cooling of the liquid phase. The total amount of volcanic–hydrothermal CO₂ discharged through diffuse degassing has been computed through a sequential Gaussian simulation (sGs) approach based on several hundred accumulation chamber measurements and, at the time of the survey, amounted to 151 t d^–1. The steam associated with the CO₂ output, computed assuming that the original H₂O/CO₂ ratio of hydrothermal fluids is preserved in fumarolic effluents, is 553 t d^–1, and the energy produced by the steam condensation and cooling of the liquid phase is 1.47×10¹² J d^–1 (17 MW). The location of the CO₂ and temperature anomalies show that most of the gas is discharged from the inner part of the crater and suggests that crater morphology and local stratigraphy exert strong control on CO₂ degassing and subsurface steam condensation. The amounts of gas and energy released by Vesuvio are comparable to those released by other volcanic degassing areas of the world and their estimates, through periodic surveys of soil CO₂ flux, can constitute a useful tool to monitor volcanic activity.Editorial responsibility: H. Shinohara     

Modelling the dynamics and thermodynamics of volcanic degassing

 The rates of passive degassing from volcanoes are investigated by modelling the convective overturn of dense degassed and less dense gas-rich magmas in a vertical conduit linking a shallow degassing zone with a deep magma chamber. Laboratory experiments are used to constrain our theoretical model of the overturn rate and to elaborate on the model of this process presented by Kazahaya et al. (1994). We also introduce the effects of a CO₂–saturated deep chamber and adiabatic cooling of ascending magma. We find that overturn occurs by concentric flow of the magmas along the conduit, although the details of the flow depend on the magmas' viscosity ratio. Where convective overturn limits the supply of gas-rich magma, then the gas emission rate is proportional to the flow rate of the overturning magmas (proportional to the density difference driving convection, the conduit radius to the fourth power, and inversely proportional to the degassed magma viscosity) and the mass fraction of water that is degassed. Efficient degassing enhances the density difference but increases the magma viscosity, and this dampens convection. Two degassing volcanoes were modelled. At Stromboli, assuming a 2 km deep, 30% crystalline basaltic chamber, containing 0.5 wt.% dissolved water, the ∼700 kg s^–1 magmatic water flux can be modelled with a 4–10 m radius conduit, degassing 20–100% of the available water and all of the 1 to 4 vol.% CO₂ chamber gas. At Mount St. Helens in June 1980, assuming a 7 km deep, 39% crystalline dacitic chamber, containing 4.6 wt.% dissolved water, the ∼500 kg s^–1 magmatic water flux can be modelled with a 22–60 m radius conduit, degassing ∼2–90% of the available water and all of the 0.1 to 3 vol.% CO₂ chamber gas. The range of these results is consistent with previous models and observations. Convection driven by degassing provides a plausible mechanism for transferring volatiles from deep magma chambers to the atmosphere, and it can explain the gas fluxes measured at many persistently active volcanoes. Received: 26 September 1997 / Accepted: 11 July 1998     

A remote sensing model of CO2 flux for wheat and studying of regional distribution

A model for calculating CO₂ flux in the wheat field and an algorithm for estimating CO₂ flux in the mejonal scale were presented using the remote sensing data and supplementary micpo-met~orological data. First of all a-longertenn measurement wae carried out during winter wheat growing period in Yucheng Experimental Station udng the spectmradiometer system, the thermal infrared radiometer system, the Bowen-ratio device as well as the eddy-correlation device. Two kinds of issues concerning remote sensing and CO₂ flux can be obtained. Based on the obeervations a remote sensing model was estabilished. Then when the NOAA-AVHRR passed over the experimental area simultaneous measurements were carried out with the satellites. A regional distribution image for CO₂ flux over wheat canopy in North China (500×500 km²) was made using the supplementary ground data and NOAA-AVHRR remote sensing data which was calibrated by the synchronous observation. The sources and sinks for CO₂ fluxes in the region can be seen obviously. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 49671058, 49890330)     

Quantification of the Mass Flux of H2O Gas (Steam) at Three Active Volcanoes Using Thermal Infrared Imagery

We apply a measurement technique that utilizes thermal video of vapor-dominated volcanic plumes to estimate the H₂O gas flux at three degassing volcanoes. Results are compared with H₂O flux measurements obtained using other methods to verify the thermal camera-derived values. Our estimation of the H₂O emission rate is based on the mass and energy conservation equations. H₂O flux is quantified by extracting the temperature and width of the gas plume from the thermal images, calculating the transit velocity of the gas plume from the thermal video, and combining these results with atmospheric parameters measured on-site. These data are then input into the equations for conservation of mass and energy. Selected volcanoes for this study were Villarrica in Chile, Stromboli in Italy, and Santa Ana in El Salvador. H₂O fluxes estimated from the thermal imagery were 38–250?kg?s^?1 at Villarrica, 4.5–14?kg?s^?1 for Stromboli’s Central Crater, and 168–219?kg?s^?1 at Santa Ana. These compare with H₂O flux values estimated by other methods of 73–220, 3–70 and 266?kg?s^?1, at the three volcanoes, respectively. The good agreement between thermal image-derived results and those estimated by other methods seem to validate this method.     

New remote sensing techniques for the detection and quantification of earth surface CO2 degassing

Earth degassing specifically of carbon dioxide CO₂ is of increasing interest with respect to the global carbon budget, related climate effects, earthquake and volcano eruption mechanisms, as well as plant physiological reactions in gas-rich environments. Investigations in all of these disciplines require the detection of surface CO₂ degassing structures and quantification of their emissions. We introduce minimal thermal change detection based on infrared imaging as a new remote sensing tool for the detection of earth surface thermal anomalies suiting among others to discover earth degassing locations of any origin. The method allows for seamless areal search and monitoring of degassing structures in any terrain. As proof of concept infrared imaging measurements were performed at the Bossoleto vent on the eastern master fault of the Siena Graben (Tuscany, Italy). It is known for the migration of a large amount of CO₂-rich gas from deep geothermal reservoirs. Field data acquired confirmed the qualification of the method. Detection of CO₂ degassing locations from infrared image time series worked reliably and optimal detection conditions were identified (dry, calm, cloudless weather between dusk and dawn). A simple model of heat exchange processes involved and observed was developed. In a first attempt this model was applied to determine the gas exit temperature, the area of gas thermal reach and the gas flux from recorded image series. It is the first method that allows remote areal survey of mofette fields and the associated CO₂ flux quantification sole from infrared image time series.     

Gas hazard assessment in a densely inhabited area of Colli Albani Volcano (Cava dei Selci, Roma)

The northwestern flank of the Colli Albani, a Quaternary volcanic complex near Rome, is characterised by high pCO₂ values and Rn activities in the groundwater and by the presence of zones with strong emission of gas from the soil. The most significant of these zones is Cava dei Selci where many houses are located very near to the gas emission site. The emitted gas consists mainly of CO₂ (up to 98 vol%) with an appreciable content of H₂S (0.8–2%). The He and C isotopic composition indicates, as for all fluids associated with the Quaternary Roman and Tuscany volcanic provinces, the presence of an upper mantle component contaminated by crustal fluids associated with subducted sediments and carbonates. An advective CO₂ flux of 37 tons/day has been estimated from the gas bubbles rising to the surface in a small drainage ditch and through a stagnant water pool, present in the rainy season in a topographically low central part of the area. A CO₂ soil flux survey with an accumulation chamber, carried out in February–March 2000 over a 12 000 m² surface with 242 measurement points, gave a total (mostly conductive) flux of 61 tons/day. CO₂ soil flux values vary by four orders of magnitude over a 160-m distance and by one order of magnitude over several metres. A fixed network of 114 points over 6350 m² has been installed in order to investigate temporal flux variations. Six surveys carried out from May 2000 to June 2001 have shown large variations of the total CO₂ soil flux (8–25 tons/day). The strong emission of CO₂ and H₂S, which are gases denser than air, produces dangerous accumulations in low areas which have caused a series of lethal accidents to animals and one to a man. The gas hazard near the houses has been assessed by continuously monitoring the CO₂ and H₂S concentration in the air at 75 cm from the ground by means of two automatic stations. Certain environmental parameters (wind direction and speed; atm P, T, humidity and rainfall) were also continuously recorded. At both stations, H₂S and CO₂ exceeded by several times the recommended concentration thresholds. The highest CO₂ and H₂S values were recorded always with wind speeds less than 1.5 m/s, mostly in the night hours. Our results indicate that there is a severe gas hazard for people living near the gas emission site of Cava dei Selci, and appropriate precautionary and prevention measures have been recommended both to residents and local authorities.     

Erta'ale lava lake: heat and gas transfer to the atmosphere

Data on uncontaminated samples of volcanic gases can be counted on the fingers of one hand, yet estimation of total volcanic gas flow cannot be made without such data. In this paper the flux of gas from the lava lake to the atmosphere is calculated by a heat budget based on the excess heat loss caused by combustion of H₂ and CO and by the mass rate of loss of other gases on the basis of their ratios to H₂ and CO in the unoxidized gas samples. The estimated rates of loss of H₂O, CO₂, SO₂ and HCl are consistent with the rate of loss of heat if this heat is generated by crystallization and if the initial magma contains concentrations of gas appropriate for submarine basalt from oceanic ridges. The moderate activity of permanent degassing from the two active lava ponds studied gives a lower flux than that of other volcanoes.     

Anomalous Emissions of SO2 During the Recent Eruption of Santa Ana Volcano, El Salvador, Central America

Santa Ana volcano in western El Salvador, Central America, had a phreatic eruption at 8:05 am (local time) on October 1, 2005, 101 years after its last eruption. However, during the last one hundred years this volcano has presented periods of quiet degassing with fumarolic activity and an acidic lake within its crater. This paper presents results of frequent measurements of SO₂ degassing using the MiniDOAS (Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy) system and a comparison with the volcanic seismicity prior to the eruption, during, and after the eruption. Vehicle measurements of SO₂ flux were taken every hour during the first nine days of the eruption and daily after that. The period of time reported here is from August to December, 2005. Three periods of degassing are distinguished: pre-eruptive, eruptive, and post-eruptive periods. The intense activity at Santa Ana volcano started in July 2005. During the pre-eruptive period up to 4306 and 5154 ton/day of SO₂ flux were recorded on October 24 and September 9, 2005, respectively. These values were of the same order of magnitude as the recorded values just after the October 1^st eruption (2925 ton/day at 10:01 am). Hourly measurements of SO₂ flux taken during the first nine days after the main eruptive event indicate that explosions are preceded by an increase in SO₂ flux and that this parameter reaches a peak after the explosion took place. This behavior suggests that increasing accumulation of exsolved magmatic gases occurs within the magmatic chamber before the explosions, increasing the pressure until the point of explosion. A correlation between SO₂ fluxes and RSAM (Real Time Seismic Amplitude Measurements) is observed during the complete sampling period. Periodic fluctuations in the SO₂ and RSAM values during the entire study period are observed. One possible mechanism explaining these fluctuations it that convective circulation within the magmatic chamber can bring fresh magma periodically to shallow levels, allowing increasing degasification and then decreasing degasification as the batch of magma lowers its gas content, becomes denser, and sinks to give space to a new magma pulse. These results illustrate that the measurements of SO₂ flux can provide important warning signals for incoming explosive activity in active volcanoes.     

Probing the magma plumbing of Erebus volcano,Antarctica, by open-path FTIR spectroscopy of gas emissions

Gas emissions from Erebus volcano, Antarctica, were measured by open-path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to understand degassing of its magmatic system. Two degassing phonolite lava lakes were present in the summit crater during observation in December 2004. We report analyses of H₂O, CO₂, CO, SO₂, HF, HCl and OCS, (in order of molar abundance) in the plumes. Variations in the proportions of these species strongly reflect the dynamics of degassing, and sourcing of gas from different depths in the magmatic network. The highest observed ratios of CO₂ and H₂O are consistent with gas extracted from the melt at a depth of up to ∼ 2 km below the lava lakes. Magma degassing above this depth contributes to a higher H₂O/CO₂ proportion in the airborne plume. The ratio therefore reflects the balance of deeper vs. shallower contributions of volatiles and, possibly, a combination of closed- and open-system degassing. We observe a strong contrast in HF content in emissions from the two lava lakes, which we attribute to differing levels of magma ascent and/or cooling and crystallization of the magma supply. Fluxes of all gas species were determined using independent SO₂ flux determinations and measured gas ratios. In the case of CO₂ and water, ∼ 1 and ∼ 0.4 m³ s^− 1, respectively, of parental basanite magma are required to sustain the calculated output. The discrepancy between the two figures is readily explained by sequestration of part of the magma supply at depth such that it only partially degasses its complement of water.     

CO2 Degassing over Seismic Areas: The Role of Mechanochemical Production at the Study Case of Central Apennines

Field observations coupled with experimental results show that CO₂ can be produced by mechanical energy applied to carbonate rocks becoming an unexpected additional gas source besides that degassed from the mantle or produced by thermometamorphism. The evidence that a large amount of carbon dioxide associated with radiogenic-type helium (R/Ra as low as 0.01–0.08) is released through continental areas, denotes the absence of a contribution from the mantle or from mantle-derived fluids. Data collected during the seismic crisis which struck the Central Apennines in 1997–98 have shown an enhanced CO₂ flux not associated with the presence of mantle or thermometamorphic-derived fluids. On the other hand, new experimental results highlight the possibility of producing CO₂ by mechanical energy that acts on the calcite crystalline lattice. While the CO₂ released over the geothermal areas (e.g., Larderello Geothermal Field) is obviously derived by mantle-derived activities, this is not the case of the huge amount of CO₂ released over the seismically active areas where the presence mantle-derived products is ruled out. We propose that mechanical energy, e.g., released during seismic events, microseismicity or creeping processes is a possible additional energy source able to produce CO₂ and thus could explain the presence of CO₂ degassing over tectonic areas where the influence of the mantle is low.     

Structural pattern and CO2–CH4 degassing of Ustica Island,Southern Tyrrhenian basin

Brittle tectonics and ground degassing, including fracture-field, soil–gas and exhalation flux analyses of CO₂ and CH₄, were studied at Ustica Island, a Pleistocene volcanic complex in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea. The mesoscopic fracture pattern perfectly fits an E–W-trending left-lateral strike–slip master fault, in agreement with the main morpho-structural submarine alignment including Ustica Island and Anchise Seamount. Along the SW–NE high-angle normal Arso Fault, geological evidence of reactivation with different kinematics (left- to right-lateral displacements) was recognised. Major CO₂ and CH₄ degassing (with fluxes up to 93,750 and 20 t km⁻² a⁻¹, respectively, and soil–gas concentrations of 11.3% and 5.7 ppm) occur over the Arso Fault. Although this fault is mapped just in the SW sector of the island, soil–gas CO₂ anomalies point out its clear continuation up to the NE margin of the island. These data, together with those of previous geophysical and geochemical results from off-shore Ustica, suggest that the Arso Fault is the local evidence of a more important active, gas-bearing structure. This tectonic feature is interpreted as a reactivation of a preexistent SW–NE trend, inherited as a second-order structure of the E–W deep shear zone. The reactivation is related to the interplay among different structures of the Southern Tyrrhenian basin.     

Diffuse volcanic degassing and thermal energy release from Hengill volcanic system, Iceland

We report the first detailed study of spatial variations on the diffuse emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from Hengill volcanic system, Iceland. Soil CO₂ and H₂S efflux measurements were performed at 752 sampling sites and ranged from nondetectable to 17,666 and 722?g?m^?2?day^?1, respectively. The soil temperature was measured at each sampling site and used to evaluate the heat flow. The chemical composition of soil gases sampled at selected sampling sites during this study shows they result from a mixing process between deep volcanic/hydrothermal component and air. Most of the diffuse CO₂ degassing is observed close to areas where active thermal manifestations occur, northeast flank of the Hengill central volcano close to the Nesjavellir power plant, suggesting a diffuse degassing structure with a SSW?CNNE trend, overlapping main fissure zone and indicating a structural control of the degassing process. On the other hand, H₂S efflux values are in general very low or negligible along the study area, except those observed at the northeast flank of the Hengill central volcano, where anomalously high CO₂ efflux and soil temperatures were also measured. The total diffuse CO₂ emission estimated for this volcanic system was about 1,526?±?160?t?day^?1 of which 453?t?day^?1 (29.7?%) are of volcanic/hydrothermal origin. To calculate the steam discharge associated with the volcanic/hydrothermal CO₂ output, we used the average H₂O/CO₂ mass ratio from 12 fumarole samples equal to 88.6 (range, 9.4?C240.2) as a representative value of the H₂O/CO₂ mass ratios for Hengill fumarole steam. The resulting estimate of the steam flow associated with the gas flux is equal to 40,154?t?day^?1. The condensation of this steam results in thermal energy release for Helgill volcanic system of 1.07?×?10¹⁴?J?day^?1 or to a total heat flow of 1,237?MW_t.     

Geochemical evidence of the renewal of volcanic activity inferred from CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> soil and SO<Subscript>2</Subscript> plume fluxes: the 2007 Stromboli eruption (Italy)

On 27 February 2007, a new eruption occurred on Stromboli which lasted until 2 April. It was characterized by effusive activity on the Sciara del Fuoco and by a paroxysmal event (15 March). This crisis represented an opportunity for us to refine the model that had been developed previously (2002–2003 eruption) and to improve our understanding of the relationship between the magmatic dynamics of the volcano and the geochemical variations in the fluids. In particular, the evaluation of the dynamic equilibrium between the volatiles (CO₂ and SO₂) released from the magma and the corresponding fluids discharged from the summit area allowed us to evaluate the level of criticality of the volcanic activity. One of the major accomplishments of this study is a 4-year database of summit soil CO₂ flux on the basis of which we define the thresholds (low–medium–high) for this parameter that are empirically based on the natural volcanological evolution of Stromboli. The SO₂ fluxes of the degassing plume and the CO₂ fluxes emitted from the soil at Pizzo Sopra la Fossa are also presented. It is noteworthy that geochemical signals of volcanic unrest have been clearly identified before, during and after the effusive activity. These signals were found almost simultaneously in the degassing plume (SO₂ flux) and in soil degassing (CO₂ flux) at the summit, although the two degassing processes are shown to be clearly different. The interpretation of the results will be useful for future volcanic surveillance at Stromboli.     

A reassessment of current volcanic emissions from the Central American arc with specific examples from Nicaragua

The Central American volcanic arc supplies a significant proportion of the persistent annual global sulphur dioxide emissions from volcanoes. In November/December 2003, we completed a survey of the arc section from Mombacho to San Cristóbal in Nicaragua recording individual mean fluxes of 800, 530 and 220 Mg day^− 1 in the plumes from San Cristóbal, Telica and Masaya, respectively. An assessment of fluxes published since 1997 along the entire Central America arc yields a mean total arc flux of SO₂ of 4360 Mg day^− 1 or 8–16% of the annual estimated global volcanic SO₂ flux to the troposphere. New field data shows that Masaya volcano continues to show stable HCl/SO₂ and HF/SO₂ ratios, suggesting a sustained flux of these components of ∼ 220 and 30 Mg day^− 1, respectively (1997 to 2004). Masaya's plume composition also appears to have been stable, between 2001 and 2003, with respect to all the particulate species measured, with significant fluxes of SO₄²⁻ (4 Mg day^− 1), Na⁺ (0.9–1.3 Mg day^− 1) and K⁺ (0.7 Mg day^− 1). Extrapolating the Masaya plume species ratios to the entire Central American arc gives mean HCl and HF fluxes of 1300 and 170 Mg day^− 1 and a particulate sulphate flux of 40 Mg day^− 1 for 1997 to 2004, although without further understanding of the degassing processes and sources at depth of these different volatiles, these arc-scale estimates should be treated with caution. Combining our arc scale mean SO₂ flux with published measurements of volcanic gas compositions with respect to CO₂ and H₂O allows us to estimate mean CO₂ fluxes of 4400–9600 Mg day^− 1 and H₂O fluxes of 70,000–78,000 Mg day^− 1 for the arc. Preliminary comparisons of these estimates of outgassing rates with published volatile input fluxes into the Central American subduction zone, suggest that Cl is more efficiently recycled through the subduction zone than CO₂. The results for H₂O are inconclusive.     

Fumarole/plume and diffuse CO2 emission from Sierra Negra caldera, Galapagos archipelago

Measurements of visible and diffuse gas emission were conducted in 2006 at the summit of Sierra Negra volcano, Galapagos, with the aim to better characterize degassing after the 2005 eruption. A total SO₂ emission of 11?±?2?t day^?1 was derived from miniature differential optical absorption spectrometer (mini-DOAS) ground-based measurements of the plume emanating from the Mini Azufral fumarolic area, the most important site of visible degassing at Sierra Negra volcano. Using a portable multigas system, the H₂S/SO₂, CO₂/SO₂, and H₂O/SO₂ molar ratios in the Mina Azufral plume emissions were found to be 0.41, 52.2, and 867.9, respectively. The corresponding H₂O, CO₂, and H₂S emission rates were 562, 394, and 3?t day^?1, respectively. The total output of diffuse CO₂ emissions from the summit of Sierra Negra volcano was 990?±?85?t day^?1, with 605?t day^?1 being released by a deep source. The diffuse-to-plume CO₂ emission ratio was about 1.5. Mina Azufral fumaroles released gasses containing 73.6?mol% of H₂O; the main noncondensable components amounted to 97.4?mol% CO₂, 1.5?mol% SO₂, 0.6?mol% H₂S, and 0.35?mol%?N₂. The higher H₂S/SO₂ ratio values found in 2006 as compared to those reported before the 2005 eruption reveal a significant hydrothermal contribution to the fumarolic emissions. ³He/⁴He ratios measured at Mina Azufral fumarolic discharges showed values of 17.88?±?0.25?R _A , indicating a mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) and a Galapagos plume contribution of 53 and 47?%, respectively.     

Carbon dioxide diffuse emission from the soil: ten years of observations at Vesuvio and Campi Flegrei (Pozzuoli), and linkages with volcanic activity

Carbon dioxide flux from the soil is regularly monitored in selected areas of Vesuvio and Solfatara (Campi Flegrei, Pozzuoli) with the twofold aim of i) monitoring spatial and temporal variations of the degassing process and ii) investigating if the surface phenomena could provide information about the processes occurring at depth. At present, the surveyed areas include 15 fixed points around the rim of Vesuvio and 71 fixed points in the floor of Solfatara crater. Soil CO₂ flux has been measured since 1998, at least once a month, in both areas. In addition, two automatic permanent stations, located at Vesuvio and Solfatara, measure the CO₂ flux and some environmental parameters that can potentially influence the CO₂ diffuse degassing. Series acquired by continuous stations are characterized by an annual periodicity that is related to the typical periodicities of some meteorological parameters. Conversely, series of CO₂ flux data arising from periodic measurements over the arrays of Vesuvio and Solfatara are less dependent on external factors such as meteorological parameters, local soil properties (porosity, hydraulic conductivity) and topographic effects (high or low ground). Therefore we argue that the long-term trend of this signal contains the “best” possible representation of the endogenous signal related to the upflow of deep hydrothermal fluids.     

Volatile emissions and gas geochemistry of Hot Spring Basin,Yellowstone National Park,USA

We characterize and quantify volatile emissions at Hot Spring Basin (HSB), a large acid-sulfate region that lies just outside the northeastern edge of the 640 ka Yellowstone Caldera. Relative to other thermal areas in Yellowstone, HSB gases are rich in He and H₂, and mildly enriched in CH₄ and H₂S. Gas compositions are consistent with boiling directly off a deep geothermal liquid at depth as it migrates toward the surface. This fluid, and the gases evolved from it, carries geochemical signatures of magmatic volatiles and water–rock reactions with multiple crustal sources, including limestones or quartz-rich sediments with low K/U (or ^40?Ar/^4?He). Variations in gas chemistry across the region reflect reservoir heterogeneity and variable degrees of boiling. Gas-geothermometer temperatures approach 300 °C and suggest that the reservoir feeding HSB is one of the hottest at Yellowstone. Diffuse CO₂ flux in the western basin of HSB, as measured by accumulation-chamber methods, is similar in magnitude to other acid-sulfate areas of Yellowstone and is well correlated to shallow soil temperatures. The extrapolation of diffuse CO₂ fluxes across all the thermal/altered area suggests that 410 ± 140 t d^− 1 CO₂ are emitted at HSB (vent emissions not included). Diffuse fluxes of H₂S were measured in Yellowstone for the first time and likely exceed 2.4 t d^− 1 at HSB. Comparing estimates of the total estimated diffuse H₂S emission to the amount of sulfur as SO₄²⁻ in streams indicates ~ 50% of the original H₂S in the gas emission is lost into shallow groundwater, precipitated as native sulfur, or vented through fumaroles. We estimate the heat output of HSB as ~ 140–370 MW using CO₂ as a tracer for steam condensate, but not including the contribution from fumaroles and hydrothermal vents. Overall, the diffuse heat and volatile fluxes of HSB are as great as some active volcanoes, but they are a small fraction (1–3% for CO₂, 2–8% for heat) of that estimated for the entire Yellowstone system.     

Anomalous soil CO2 degassing in relation to faults and eruptive fissures on Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy)

 The relationships between soil gas emissions and both tectonic and volcano-tectonic structures on Mt. Etna have been studied. The investigation consisted of soil CO₂ flux measurements along traverses orthogonal to the main faults and eruptive fissures of the volcano. Anomalous levels of soil degassing were found mainly in coincidence with faults, whereas only 49% of the eruptive fissures were found to produce elevated CO₂ soil fluxes. This result suggests that only zones of strain are able to channel deep gases to the surface. According to this hypothesis, several previously unknown structures are suggested. Based on our geochemical data, new structural maps of different areas of Etna are proposed. The soil CO₂ fluxes observed in this study are higher than those measured in a 1987 study, and they are consistent with the higher level of volcanic unrest during the current study. Received: 20 March 1998 / Accepted: 17 June 1998     

Helium and CO2 soil gas emission from Santorini (Greece)

Soil gas investigation is a useful tool to detect active faults. The sudden appearance of soil gas anomalies in zones of deep-reaching faults represents a promising potential precursor of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In volcanic areas the development of soil gas monitoring techniques is particularly important, as they can represent, together with remote sensing techniques, the only geochemical methods that can be safely applied during volcanic unrest, when it becomes impossible or too dangerous to sample crater fumaroles. A soil gas survey was carried out in June 1993 at the main island of Thera, in the Santorini volcanic complex. CO₂ flux and CO₂ and helium concentrations were measured at 50 cm depth for 76 points covering the entire island, with a spacing of 500 m or less. Several anomalous soil degassing sites have been detected. The main anomalies correspond to the Kolumbos line and to the Kameni line, two volcano-tectonic fault systems that controlled all the historic volcanic activity of Santorini. A third anomaly is related to a gas-leaking fault cutting the geothermal field of southern Thera. Soil gas data, together with geovolcanological and seismological evidence, indicate that the Kolumbos and Kameni lines are the most probable sites for future volcanic or seismic reactivation, and provide the basis for the establishment of a new geochemical monitoring technique at Thera.     

Surge in sulphur and halogen degassing from Ambrym volcano,Vanuatu

Volcanoes provide important contributions to atmospheric budgets of SO₂ and reactive halogens, which play significant roles in atmospheric oxidative capacity and radiation. However, the global source strengths of volcanic emissions remain poorly constrained. These uncertainties are highlighted here by the first measurements of gas emission rates from Ambrym volcano, Vanuatu. Our initial airborne ultraviolet spectroscopic measurements made in January 2005 indicate fluxes of 18–270 kg s^-1 of SO₂, and 62–110 g s^-1 of BrO, into the atmosphere, placing Ambrym amongst the largest known contemporary point sources of both these species on Earth. We also estimate high Cl and F fluxes of ~8–14 and ~27–50 kg s^-1, respectively, for this period. Further observations using both airborne and spaceborne remote sensing reveal a fluctuating SO₂ output between 2004 and 2008, with a surge in the first half of 2005, and underline the substantial contribution that a single passively degassing volcano can make to the atmospheric budget of sulfur and halogens.