Academic literature on the topic 'Solfatara Volcano'

Abstract. Active fumarolic solfataric zones represent important structures of dormant volcanoes, but unlike emitted fluids, their mineralizations are omitted in the usual monitoring activity. This is the case of the Campi Flegrei caldera in Italy, among the most hazardous and best-monitored explosive volcanoes in the world, where the landscape of Puteoli is characterized by an acid sulfate alteration that has been active at least since Roman time. This paper provides temperature, mineralogical, textural, compositional and stable isotope data for those solfataric terrains sampled at the crater and Pisciarelli slope of the Solfatara volcano between 2013 and 2019. Temperatures vary between 40 and 95 ∘C. Minerals include alunite with grain sizes generally larger than 20 µm, alunogen, native sulfur, well-ordered kaolinite, and, common at Pisciarelli, pyrite, illite and NH4 sulfates. Sulfate terrains have higher contents of Ti, Ba, Au, As, Hg and Tl relative to their parent substrate. The Pisciarelli slope is anomalous in terms of the presence of NH4. δ34S values for sulfides and native S range between −3.00 ‰ and 0.49 ‰ and from −4.42 ‰ to 0.80 ‰, respectively. Sulfates show δ34S and δ18O values in the range of −2.78 ‰ to 2.09 ‰ and between 4.60 ‰ and 31.33 ‰, respectively. The style of mineralization and the stable isotope geochemistry do produce complex and not completely consistent classifications and genetic constraints. We merge our data with volcanological information, data from exploration drillings and geophysical results. With the conceptual model, we suggest a series of shallow and deep aquifers interconnected like “communicating vessels” through a main fault system that downthrows Solfatara with respect to Pisciarelli. Fluid outflow from the different discrete aquifers hosted in sediments – and possibly bearing organic imprints – is the main dataset that allows determination of the steam-heated environment with a supergene setting superimposed. Supergene conditions and high-sulfidation relicts, together with the narrow sulfate alteration zone buried under the youngest volcanic deposits, point to the existence of an evolving paleo-conduit. The data will contribute to monitoring and evaluating the volcanic hazards.

This work studied the contribution of the geogenic sources volcanoes and fumaroles to the aerosol in marine atmosphere in the central Mediterranean basin. For this purpose, in the framework of the Med-Oceanor measurement program, we carried out a cruise campaign in the summer of 2017 to investigate the impact to the aerosol of the most important Mediterranean volcanoes (Mount Etna, Stromboli Island, and Marsili Seamount) and solfatara areas (Phlegraean Fields complex, Volcano Islands, Ischia Island, and Panarea submarine fumarole). We collected PM10 and PM2.5 samples in 12 sites and performed chemical characterization to gather information about the concentration of major and trace elements, elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), and ionic species. The use of triangular plots and the calculation of enrichment factors confirmed the interception of volcanic plume. We integrated the outcomes from chemical characterization with the use of factor analysis and SEM/EDX analysis for the source apportionment. Anthropogenic and natural sources including shipping emissions, volcanic and fumarolic load, as well as sea spray were identified as the main factors affecting aerosol levels in the study area. Furthermore, we performed pattern recognition analysis by stepwise linear discriminant analysis to seek differences in the composition of PM10 and PM2.5 samples according to their volcanic or solfatara origin.

Quiescent volcanoes dissipate a large part of their thermal energy through hot soils and ground degassing mainly in restricted areas called Diffuse Degassing Structures. La Solfatara crater represents the main spot of thermal release for the Campi Flegrei volcano (Italy) despite its reduced dimensions with regards to the whole caldera. The purpose of this study was to develop a method to measure thermal energy release extrapolating it from the ground surface temperature. We used imaging from thermal cameras at short distances (1 m) to obtain a mapping of areas with thermal anomalies and a measure of their temperatures. We built a conceptual model of the energy release from the ground to atmosphere, which well fits the experimental data taken in the La Solfatara crater. Using our model and data, we could estimate the average heat flux in a portion of the crater as q a v g = 220 ± 40 W / m 2 , compatible with other measurements in literature.

Abstract. The Solfatara volcano in the Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy), is monitored by different, permanent ground networks handled by INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia), including thermal infrared cameras (TIRNet). The TIRNet network is composed by five stations equipped with FLIR A645SC or A655SC thermal cameras acquiring at nightime infrared scenes of portions of the Solfatara area characterized by significant thermal anomalies. The dataset processed in this work consists of daily maximum temperatures time-series from 25 April 2014 to 31 May 2019, acquired by three TIRNet stations (SF1 and SF2 inside Solfatara crater, and PIS near Pisciarelli boiling mud pool), and also consists of atmospheric pressure and air temperature time-series. Data pre-processing was carried out in order to remove the seasonal components and the influence of the Earth tides to the selected time-series. By using the STL algorithm (Seasonal Decomposition of Time Series by Loess), the time-series were decomposed into three components (seasonal, trend and remainder) to find seasonality and remove it. Then, a harmonic analysis was performed on the de-seasonalized signals in order to identify and remove the long-period tidal constituents (mainly fortnightly and monthly). Finally, Power Spectral Density was calculated by FFT Matlab algorithm, after applying an acausal Butterworth filter, focusing on the [15–120] d band, to check if characteristic periodicities exist for each site. The reliability and significance of the spectral peaks were proved by statistical and empirical methods. We found that most of the residual periodicities are ascribable to ambient factors, while 18.16 d for Pisciarelli site and 88.71 d for Solfatara have a possible endogenous origin.

This study is inspired by the impacts on a tunnel of the Sousaki volcano, in the vicinity of Corinth and examines possible impacts of the Quaternary volcanism on major engineering works in Thessaly. The Sousaki volcano, at the NW edge of the Aegean Volcanic Arc has been associated with important volcanic activity in the past, but its current activity is confined to géothermie phenomena. A tunnel for the new Athens-Corinth High Speed Rail was excavated through the solfatara of the volcano, an area characterized by numerous faults and physical cavities. High temperatures and geothermal gases released in the underground opening through the faults caused disturbance to the tunnel construction, need for supplementary investigations and adoption of special measures to maintain tunnel stability. Experience from the tunnel at Sousaki indicates that similar risks may be faced in future major engineering works in other regions of Greece. Such an example is the area of Microthives and Achillio, Magnesia, Thessaly. Tunnels for the new highway and railway networks constructed or planned through at least two volcanic domes and other main engineering works may also face volcano-associated effects. Optimization of the network routes in combination with special construction techniques and safety measures need to be followed for minimization of such volcanic risks.

Bembidion (Peryphanes) sanatum iwanai ssp. n. is described from the solfatara fields of the Mendeleev Volcano (Kuril Archipelago: Kunashir Island). It slightly differs from the nominative subspecies by body proportions, as well as the relatively narrow external intervals of the elytra and their microsculpture, yet showing stable distinctions in endophallus armature (basal part of lamina 1 is rounded, vs. angular in the nominative subspecies) and in the spermatheca duct (5–6 convolutions, vs. 7–8 in the nominative subspecies). Endemism of insects on the island’s large volcanic massifs of Kunashir Island is discussed.

Les Champs Phlégréens, situés dans la métropole napolitaine (Italie du sud), forment l’une des plus grandes structures volcaniques au monde. Depuis 1950, ce complexe volcanique manifeste un regain d’activité, qui s’est amplifié au cours de la dernière décennie. Cette accélération s’exprime au travers d’une intensification de la sismicité, de la déformation du sol ainsi qu’une extension de la zone de dégazage. L’ensemble des récentes études s’accorde à dire que le système s’achemine actuellement vers un point critique, sans toutefois pouvoir préciser quand et où pourrait avoir lieu une éventuelle éruption. Cette difficulté à prédire l’état réel du système est principalement associée à la présence d’un système hydrothermal relativement développé. Aux Champs Phlégréens, il est en effet difficile de déconvoluer les signaux provenant du forçage magmatique de ceux résultant de la réponse hydrothermale. L’objectif de cette thèse est donc d’améliorer les connaissances actuelles du système hydrothermal superficiel du volcan de la Solfatara, lieu où se concentre actuellement la reprise d’activité. Pour cela, une approche multidisciplinaire a été menée en deux phases : l’imagerie géophysique du volcan puis la modélisation de son système hydrothermal.La tomographie haute-résolution de résistivité électrique 3-D du cratère a permis de reconnaître les principales formations géologiques et leurs connexions avec les structures et écoulements hydrothermaux. L’interprétation du modèle de résistivité électrique a été réalisée grâce à un ensemble de mesures superficielles complémentaires : flux de CO2, température, potentiel spontané, capacité d’échange cationique et pH du sol. Deux panaches à dominante liquide ont été identifiés : la mare de boue de la Fangaia et la fumerole de Pisciarelli. À la Fangaia, une étude conjointe des modèles de résistivité électrique et de vitesses du sous-sol (obtenues par l’INGV) établit la présence de forts gradients, à la frontière entre panache hydrothermal et zone de dégazage diffus. Au niveau du principal secteur fumerolien, le modèle de résistivité électrique et la localisation des sources acoustiques révèlent clairement l’anatomie d’une zone fumerolienne. Deux conduits séparés, saturés en gaz, alimentent les fumeroles de Bocca Grande et de Bocca Nuova, depuis un même réservoir de gaz situé à ~50 mètres de profondeur. L’intense dégazage diffus produit à proximité de ces fumeroles occasionne la condensation de vapeur. Le modèle de résistivité électrique met en évidence la circulation souterraine de cet important volume d’eau, canalisée à l’intérieur d’une zone fracturée.En utilisant l’ensemble de ces informations structurelles, un modèle thermodynamique des écoulements multiphasiques de la principale zone fumerolienne a été réalisé. Ce modèle reproduit fidèlement les observables des fumeroles : température, flux et rapport CO2/H2O. Il valide l’imagerie géophysique et confirme l’interaction entre la circulation d’eau de condensation et l’un des conduits fumeroliens. Ainsi, cette simulation explique, pour la première fois par un effet d’interaction superficiel, les différentes signatures géochimiques des deux fumeroles : Bocca Nuova et Bocca Grande. L’approche multidisciplinaire, employée dans cette thèse, constitue une nouvelle étape vers une meilleure connaissance des interactions hydrothermales. Celles-ci doivent être prise en compte dans l’objectif de réaliser des modélisations dynamiques précises permettant d’appréhender in fine l’état réel du système volcanique
The Campi Flegrei caldera is located in the metropolitan area of Naples (Italy), and it is one of the largest volcanic systems on Earth. Since 1950, this volcanic complex shows significant unrest, which accelerated over the last decade with a rise in the seismic activity, ground deformation, and the extent of the degassing area. Recent studies indicate that the volcanic system is potentially moving toward a critical state, although their authors remain unable to point out when and where a possible eruption could take place. The difficulty of predicting the real volcanic state is here mainly related to the hydrothermal system. Indeed, at the Campi Flegrei, it is difficult to separate the magmatic input signal from the hydrothermal response. Hence, the aim of this thesis is to improve our knowledge on the shallow hydrothermal system of the Solfatara volcano, where most of the renewal activity takes place. A multidisciplinary approach has been performed in two steps: first a geophysical imagery of the volcano and second the modeling of its hydrothermal system.The 3-D electrical resistivity tomography of the crater allows to recognize the main geological units, and their connection with hydrothermal fluid flow features. The interpretation of the resistivity model has been realized thanks to numerous soil complementary measurements: CO2 flux, temperature, self-potential, Cation Exchange Capacity and pH. We identify two liquid-dominated plumes: the Fangaia mud pool and the Pisciarelli fumarole. In the Fangaia area, the comparison between electrical resistivity and velocity models reveals strong gradients related to a sharp transition at the border between the hydrothermal plume and the high diffuse degassing region. Combining electrical resistivity model with hydrothermal tremor sources localization reveal the anatomy of the main fumarolic area. Two separated conduits, gas-saturated, feed the two fumaroles Bocca Grande and Bocca Nuova. These conduits originate from the same gas reservoir located 60 m below the surface. The intense degassing activity, produced in the vicinity of fumaroles, creates large amounts of vapor condensation. The resistivity model reveals this condensate circulation, within a fractured area.All these results are incorporated into a multiphase flow model of the main fumarolic area. The simulation accurately reproduces the fumaroles observables: temperature, flux and CO2/H2O ratio. The model validates the geophysical imagery and confirms the interaction between Bocca Nuova fumarolic conduit and the condensate flow. Hence, this simulation explains for the first time the distinct geochemical signature of the two fumaroles due to a shallow water-interaction. The multidisciplinary approach performed in this thesis constitutes a new step toward a better understanding of hydrothermal interactions. Those phenomena have to be taken into account in order to perform dynamic modelling, and thus apprehend the real state of the volcanic system

In the present work I infer the 1D shear-wave velocity model in the volcanic area of Pozzuoli-Solfatara using the dispersion properties of both Rayleigh waves generated by artificial explosions and microtremor. The group-velocity dispersion curves are retrieved from application of the Multiple Filter Technique (MFT) to single-station recordings of air-gun sea shots. Seismic signals are filtered in different frequency bands and the dispersion curves are obtained by evaluating the arrival times of the envelope maxima of the filtered signals. Fundamental and higher modes are carefully recognized and separated by using a Phase Matched Filter (PMF). The obtained dispersion curves indicate Rayleigh-wave fundamental-mode group velocities ranging from about 0.8 to 0.6 km/sec over the 1-12 Hz frequency band. I also propose a new approach based on the autoregressive analysis, to recover group velocity dispersion. I first present a numerical example on a synthetic test signal and then I apply the technique to the data recorded in Solfatara, in order to compare the obtained results with those inferred from the MF analysis Moreover, I analyse ambient noise data recorded at a dense array, by using Aki’s correlation technique (SAC) and an extended version of this method (ESAC) The obtained phase velocities range from 1.5 km/s to 0.3 km/s over the 1-10 Hz frequency band. The group velocity dispersion curves are then inverted to infer a shallow shear-wave velocity model down to a depth of about 250 m, for the area of Pozzuoli-Solfatara. The shear-wave velocities thus obtained are compatible with those derived both from cross- and down-hole measurements in neighbour wells and from laboratory experiments. These data are eventually interpreted in the light of the geological setting of the area. I perform an attenuation study on array recordings of the signals generated by the shots. The  attenuation curve was retrieved by analysing the amplitude spectral decay of Rayleigh waves with the distance, in different frequency bands. The  attenuation curve was then inverted to infer the shallow Q inverse model. Using the obtained velocity and attenuation model, I calculate the theoretical ground response to a vertically-incident SH wave obtaining two main amplification peaks centered at frequencies of 2.1 and 5.4 Hz. The transfer function was compared with those obtained experimentally from the application of Nakamura’s technique to microtremor data, artificial explosions and local earthquakes. Agreement among the transfer functions is observed only for the amplification peak of frequency 5.4 Hz. Finally, as a complementary contribution that might be used for the assessment of seismic risk in the investigated area, I evaluate the peak ground acceleration (PGA) for the whole Campi Flegrei caldera and locally for the Pozzuoli-Solfatara area, by performing stochastic simulations of ground motion, partially constrained by the previously described results. Two different methods (random vibration theory (RVT) and ground motion generated from a Gaussian distribution (GMG)) are used, providing the PGA values of 0.04 g and 0.097 g for Campi Flegrei and Pozzuoli-Solfatara, respectively.
Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
Published
open

The historical record of Mediterranean volcanism is arguably the richest available for any region of the world. Documentary records date back to the Classical period, and archaeological records date back further still (Stothers and Rampino 1983; Chester et al. 2000). The Mediterranean is also home to some of the most famous, or indeed infamous, volcanoes on Earth, several of which still present major threats to society today (Kilburn and McGuire 2001; Chester et al. 2002; Guest et al. 2003). A number, for example Santorini, Etna, and Vesuvius, have menaced human populations since Antiquity, and the human response and risk perception today are strongly shaped by a culture, which itself owes much to the volcanic landscapes and eruptions (Chester et al. 2008). The science of volcanology was born, and has since flourished, in the cradle of the Mediterranean. It began, arguably, with the careful descriptions by Pliny the Younger of the AD 79 eruption of Vesuvius that buried Pompeii, and developed through the scientific investigations of Sir William Hamilton in the eighteenth century. The region was the playground of the pioneers of modern volcanological studies in the nineteenth century (e.g. Fouqué 1879), and today it boasts a number of state of the art volcano observatories such as that which monitors Vesuvius. Several volcanoes, eruption styles, geothermal manifestations, and rock types have inspired nomenclature now widely used within the volcanological community: plinian, vulcanian, and strombolian eruptions; low temperature gas emanations known as solfataras; rocks known as pantellerites. The very word ‘volcano’ comes from the Aeolian island Vulcano, where Vulcan’s forge was situated. The sea-filled crater of Santorini was one of the first volcanic ‘calderas’ to be described, by Ferdinand Fouqué in the 1870s. The Mediterranean basin tracks the geological suture between the African plate to the south, and the Eurasian tectonic plate to the north (Chapters 1, 13, and 16). Many regions along this suture have experienced volcanic activity within the past 10–20 Myr (million years), most of it related to the continuing process of subduction that has consumed the northern margin of the African plate.