Comparative temperature measurements on mount etna lavas: problems and techniques

On the basis of investigations carried out since 1966 at Mount Etna, the temperatures of erupting magmas are shown to be determined within a few °C in the range 1000–1200°C, by using suitable techniques and apparatus. The best measurements are obtained from sheathed thermocouples that are briefly described. Particularly, a new continuously recording multithermocouple system has been designed, tested satisfactorily, and compared with the performances of other pyrometers. However, a certain standardization of measurements is necessary to obtain and discuss the results: measurements should be made at lava vents or a few meters away and at least 30–50 cm into the flows, the highest values only being considered as significant.The magmatic temperatures and petrological characters appear closely related to the volcanic activity. In the normal state of moderate persistent activity of Mount Etna, the alkaline basic magma extrudes at a nearly constant temperature of 1080°C (corresponding to about 50% crystalline phases), meanwhile during stronger paroxysmal eruptions the magma temperature is higher (1125°C and possibly more) with a lower observed content of phenocrysts.