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Scarlato, Piergiorgio
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Scarlato, Piergiorgio
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piergiorgio.scarlato@ingv.it
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staff
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G-1714-2015
155 results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 155
- PublicationRestrictedClinopyroxene and titanomagnetite cation redistributions at Mt. Etna volcano (Sicily, Italy): Footprints of the final solidification history of lava fountains and lava flows(2015)
; ; ; ; ;Mollo, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Giacomoni, P. P.; Departimento di Fisica e Science della Terra, Università di Ferrara, Via Saragat 1, 44122 Ferrara, Italy ;Andronico, D.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia ;Scarlato, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia; ; ; For a better understanding of the final solidification history of eruptions at Mt. Etna volcano (Sicily, Italy), we have investigated cation redistributions at the interface between sub-millimetre-sized clinopyroxene and titanomagnetite crystal rims and coexisting melts. The studied products were scoria clasts from lava fountains and rock samples from pahoehoe and aa lava flows. Our data indicate that scoria clasts from lava fountaining were rapidly quenched at the contact with the atmosphere, preserving the original crystal textures and compositions inherited during magma dynamics within the plumbing system. Kinetics and energetics of crystallization were instantaneously frozen-in and post-eruptive effects on mineral chemistry were negligible. The nearequilibrium compositions of clinopyroxene and titanomagnetite indicate that lava fountain episodes were supplied by high-temperature, H2O-rich magmas ascending with velocities of 0.01–0.31 m/s. In contrast, magmas feeding lava flow eruptions underwent a more complex solidification history where the final stage of the crystal growth was mostly influenced by volatile loss and heat dissipation at syn- and post-eruptive conditions. Due to kinetic effects associated with magma undercooling, clinopyroxenes and titanomagnetites formed by crystal attachment and agglomeration mechanisms leading to intricate intergrowth textures. The final compositions of these minerals testify to closure temperatures and melt–water concentrations remarkably lower than those estimated for lava fountains. Kinetically-controlled cation redistributions at the crystal–melt interface suggest that the solidification of magma was driven by degassing and cooling processes proceeding from the uppermost part of the volcanic conduit to the surface.294 83 - PublicationRestrictedPolybaric/polythermal magma transport and trace element partitioning recorded in single crystals: A case study of a zoned clinopyroxene from Mt. Etna(2020)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; We present elemental maps and intra-crystal compositional profiles conducted on a representative clinopyroxene phenocryst from the 1974 eccentric lava flows at Mt. Etna volcano (Sicily, Italy). The eruption was fed by deep-seated and primitive magmas ascending through pathways bypassing the central volcanic conduits. These magmas show MgO and Cr contents higher (and REE + Y lower) than those characterizing younger and more evolved eruptions, albeit the bulk rock compositions of both primitive and more evolved products are invariably classified as trachybasalts in the TAS (total alkali vs. silica) diagram. Mafic recharge episodes are recorded by the complex textural features of the clinopyroxene, with a subrounded core enclosed within a concentrically zoned mantle. The core is enriched in Mg + Fe2++Na and depleted in Fe3++Ca relative to the mantle. The jadeite (Jd) component decreases from core to mantle and is counterbalanced by higher Ca-Tschermak (CaTs) contents, as the number of TAl cations in tetrahedral coordination increases. The Jd-rich core incorporates high proportions of rare earth elements and Y (REE + Y) and low concentrations of high field strength elements (HFSE) and transition elements (TE, such as Ni, Cr and Sc), whereas the opposite occurs for the CaTs-rich mantle. The decoupling of REE + Y and HFSE argues against simple changes in melt composition and indicates an additional mechanism driving trace element zonations. Thermobarometric calculations indicate that the early-formed Jd-rich core equilibrated with the host magma at mantle depths (750–950 MPa and 1190–1210 °C), whereas the later CaTs-rich mantle formed at shallower crustal levels (400–700 MPa and 1150–1180 °C) after magma recharge. Quantitative modeling of apparent cation partitioning between clinopyroxene and melt (Di) indicates that DHFSE increase from the Jd-rich core to the CaTs-rich mantle. In contrast, DREE+Y increase up to one order of magnitude at the Jd-rich core due to the enhanced stability of an Na0.5REE + Y0.5MgSiO6 end-member. We infer that compositional changes in clinopyroxene due to the different P-T conditions of the plumbing system may control the concentrations of REE + Y in residual melts derived after partial crystallization and differentiation of primitive magmas, such as those feeding the 1974 eccentric eruption. On this basis, we use DREE+Y measured across the core-mantle interface to constrain the geochemical evolution of recent 2000–2013 magmas at Mt. Etna volcano by Rayleigh fractional crystallization. Results indicate that magma dynamics proceed via a stepwise polybaric-polythermal process accounting for 1) crystallization of Jd-rich clinopyroxenes at high-P, high-T conditions, 2) upward migration of crystal-bearing magmas due to replenishment phenomena with input of fresh magmas and 3) crystallization of CaTs-rich clinopyroxene in low-P, low-T reservoirs. The resulting total amount (~40 vol%) of clinopyroxene fractionated agrees with geophysical data suggesting the presence of highly crystalline magmatic bodies at shallow to intermediate crustal levels below Mt. Etna.48 3 - PublicationOpen AccessNaturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) in Granitoid Rocks, A Case Study from Sardinia (Italy)(2018)
; ; ; ; ; ;; ;; All six minerals defined as “asbestos” by the existing regulation on asbestos hazard, i.e., actinolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, crocidolite and amosite amphiboles, and the serpentine-group mineral chrysotile are typical constituents of mafic and ultramafic magmatic rocks of ophiolitic sequences. However, little is known about the presence and distribution of naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in plutonic felsic rocks. The Isadalu magmatic complex outcropping in central Sardinia and belonging to the post-variscan Permian volcanic cycle, is described here as an interesting occurrence of fibrous amphiboles in granitoid rocks. Field work and collected mineralogical/petrological data show that NOA fibers from the Isadalu complex belong compositionally to the actinolite-tremolite series. They were generated by metasomatic growth on pristine magmatic hornblende, at ca. 470 °C at 1 kbar, during sodic-calcic hydrothermal alteration. In terms of environmental hazard, the Isadalu complex represents a high-value case study, since the actinolite-bearing felsic rocks outcrop in a strongly anthropized area. Here, towns with local and regional strategic infrastructures (dams, pipes, hydroelectric power plants, water supply, roads) have been developed since the last century, also using the granitoid asbestos-rich stones. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that NOA and relative hazard are not univocally connected to a restricted typology of rocks. This result should be taken into account in any future work, procedure or regulation defining asbestos occurrences in natural environments69 119 - PublicationRestrictedHigh-speed imaging, acoustic features, and aeroacoustic computations of jet noise from Strombolian (and Vulcanian) explosions(2014-05-16)
; ; ; ; ; ; ;Taddeucci, J.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Sesterhenn, J.; ISTA, TU Berlin, Berlin, Germany ;Scarlato, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Stampka, K.; ISTA, TU Berlin, Berlin, Germany ;Del Bello, E.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Pena Fernandez, J. J.; ISTA, TU Berlin, Berlin, Germany; ; ; ; ; High-speed imaging of explosive eruptions at Stromboli (Italy), Fuego (Guatemala), and Yasur (Vanuatu) volcanoes allowed visualization of pressure waves from seconds-long explosions. From the explosion jets, waves radiate with variable geometry, timing, and apparent direction and velocity. Both the explosion jets and their wave fields are replicated well by numerical simulations of supersonic jets impulsively released from a pressurized vessel. The scaled acoustic signal from one explosion at Stromboli displays a frequency pattern with an excellent match to those from the simulated jets. We conclude that both the observed waves and the audible sound from the explosions are jet noise, i.e., the typical acoustic field radiating from high-velocity jets. Volcanic jet noise was previously quantified only in the infrasonic emissions from large, sub-Plinian to Plinian eruptions. Our combined approach allows us to define the spatial and temporal evolution of audible jet noise from supersonic jets in small-scale volcanic eruptions.227 21 - PublicationOpen AccessThe unrest of the San Miguel volcano (El Salvador, Central America): installation of the monitoring network and observed volcano-tectonic ground deformation(2016-08-03)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;Bonforte, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia ;Hernandez, D. A.; Minist Medio Ambiente & Recursos Nat, Kilometro 5 1-2 Carretera Santa Tecla, San Salvador, El Salvador ;Gutierrez, E.; Minist Medio Ambiente & Recursos Nat, Kilometro 5 1-2 Carretera Santa Tecla, San Salvador, El Salvador ;Handal, L.; Minist Medio Ambiente & Recursos Nat, Kilometro 5 1-2 Carretera Santa Tecla, San Salvador, El Salvador ;Polio, C.; Minist Medio Ambiente & Recursos Nat, Kilometro 5 1-2 Carretera Santa Tecla, San Salvador, El Salvador ;Rapisarda, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia ;Scarlato, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia; ; ; ; ; ; On 29 December 2013, the Chaparrastique volcano in El Salvador, close to the town of San Miguel, erupted suddenly with explosive force, forming a column more than 9 km high and projecting ballistic projectiles as far as 3 km away. Pyroclastic density currents flowed to the north-northwest side of the volcano, while tephras were dispersed northwest and north-northeast. This sudden eruption prompted the local Ministry of Environment to request cooperation with Italian scientists in order to improve the monitoring of the volcano during this unrest. A joint force, made up of an Italian team from the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia and a local team from the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, was organized to enhance the volcanological, geophysical and geochemical monitoring system to study the evolution of the phenomenon during the crisis. The joint team quickly installed a multiparametric mobile network comprising seismic, geodetic and geochemical sensors (designed to cover all the volcano flanks from the lowest to the highest possible altitudes) and a thermal camera. To simplify the logistics for a rapid installation and for security reasons, some sensors were colocated into multiparametric stations. Here, we describe the prompt design and installation of the geodetic monitoring network, the processing and results. The installation of a new ground deformation network can be considered an important result by itself, while the detection of some crucial deforming areas is very significant information, useful for dealing with future threats and for further studies on this poorly monitored volcano.1087 91 - PublicationOpen AccessExperimental simulations of volcanic ash resuspension by wind under the effects of atmospheric humidity(2018-09-28)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;Ash deposited during volcanic eruptions can be resuspended by wind and become hazardous for health and infrastructure hours to decades after an eruption. Accurate resuspension forecasting requires accurate modelling of the threshold friction velocity of the volcanic particles (Uth*), which is the key parameter controlling volcanic ash detachment by wind. Using an environmental wind tunnel facility this study provides much needed experimental data on volcanic particle resuspension, with the first systematic parameterization of Uth* for ash from the regions Campi Flegrei in Italy and also Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland. In this study atmospheric relative humidity (and related ash moisture content) was systematically varied, from <10% to >90%, which in the case of the Eyjafjallajökull fine ash (<63 μm) produced a twofold increase in Uth*. Using the Campi Flegrei fine ash (<63 μm) an increase in Uth* of only around a factor of 1.5 was observed. Reasonable agreement with force balance resuspension models was seen, which implied an increase in interparticle adhesion force of up to a factor of six due to high humidity. Our results imply that, contrary to dry conditions, one single modelling scheme may not satisfy the resuspension of volcanic ash from different eruptions under wet conditions.247 67 - PublicationOpen AccessHigh-speed imaging of Strombolian eruptions: Gas-pyroclast dynamics in initial volcanic jetsHigh-speed imaging of Strombolian explosions brings into view the motion of pyroclasts upon leaving the volcanic vent. The erupted gas-pyroclast mixtures form jets with well-defined leading vortex rings that rise at almost constant velocity proportional to the time-averaged velocity of pyroclasts. The ejection velocity of pyroclasts decreases over time and defines a conical profile centered on the jet central streamline. Pyroclast deceleration patterns are related to their velocity and compatible with drag force but are also strongly controlled by jet dynamics. These patterns include constant, decreasing, or abruptly increasing decelerations up to 10(4)ms(-2). Nonuniform deceleration focuses at the jet sides and, mostly, in a narrow zone across the vortex ring. This deceleration zone is trailed by a reduced drag zone, where deceleration is drastically reduced. In these highly transient eruptions, both zones move upward and attenuate over time. Our results provide the first quantitative mapping of reduced drag zones.
58 38 - PublicationRestrictedExperimental evidence on the origin of Ca-rich carbonated melts formed by interaction between sedimentary limestones and mantle-derived ultrabasic magmas(2022)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; In this experimental study, we documented the formation of strongly ultrabasic and ultracalcic melts through the interaction of melilititic and basanitic melts with calcite. Three strongly to moderately SiO2-undersaturated volcanic rocks from the Bohemian Massif (central Europe) were mixed with 10, 30, and 50 wt% CaCO3 and melted at 1100, 1200, and 1300 °C at 2 kbar to evaluate the maximum amount of carbonate that can be assimilated by natural ultrabasic melts at shallow depths. Experiments revealed a surprisingly complete dissolution of the CaCO3, only rarely reaching carbonate saturation, with typical liquidus phases represented by olivine, spinel, melilite, and clinopyroxene. Only in the runs with the most SiO2-undersaturated compositions did abundant monticellite form instead of clinopyroxene. For all starting mixtures, strongly ultrabasic (SiO2 down to 15.6 wt%), lime-rich (CaO up to 43.6 wt%), ultracalcic (CaO/Al2O3 up to ~27) melt compositions were produced at 1200 and 1300 °C, with up to ~25 wt% dissolved CO2. When present, quenched olivine showed much higher forsterite content (Fo95–97) than olivine in the natural samples (Fo79–85). The two major results of this study are (1) silicate-carbonatite melt compositions do not necessarily imply the existence of carbonatitic components in the mantle, because they are also produced during limestone assimilation, and (2) Fo-rich olivines cannot be used to infer any primitive character of the melt nor high potential temperature (Tp).161 47 - PublicationRestrictedSector-zoned clinopyroxene as a recorder of magma history, eruption triggers, and ascent rates(2019)
; ; ; ; ; ;; ;; Sector-zoned clinopyroxene is common in igneous rocks, but has been overlooked in the study of magmatic processes. Whilst concentric zoning is commonly used as a record of physicochemical changes in the melt feeding crystal growth, clinopyroxene is also highly sensitive to crystallisation kinetics. In sector-zoned crystals, the fidelity of compositional changes as recorders of magma history is dubious and the interplay between thermodynamic and kinetic controls remains poorly understood. Here we combine electron probe and laser ablation micro-chemical maps of titanaugite crystals from Mt. Etna (Sicily, Italy) to explore the origin of sector zoning at the major and trace element levels, and its implications for the interpretation of magmatic histories. Elemental maps afford the possibility to revisit sector zoning from a spatially controlled perspective. The most striking observation is a clear decoupling of elements into sectors vs. concentric zones within single crystals. Most notably, Al-Ti enrichments and Si-Mg depletions in the prism sectors {1 0 0}, {1 1 0} and {0 1 0} relative to the hourglass (or basal) sectors {−1 1 1} correlate with enrichments in rare earth elements and highly charged high field strength elements due to cation exchanges driven by kinetic effects. In contrast, transition metals (Cr, Ni, Sc) show little partitioning into sectors and strong enrichments in concentric zones following resorbed surfaces, interpreted as evidence of mafic recharge and magma mixing. Our results document that kinetic partitioning has minor effects on the compositional variations of cations with low charge relative to the ideal charge/radius of the structural site they occupy in the clinopyroxene lattice. We suggest that this may be due to a lower efficiency in charge balance mechanisms compared to highly charged cations. It follows that compatible metals such as Cr can be considered trustworthy recorders of mafic intrusions and eruption triggers even in sector-zoned crystals. We also observe that in alkaline systems where clinopyroxene crystallisation takes place at near-equilibrium conditions, sector zoning should have little effect on Na-Ca partitioning and in turn, on the application of experimentally calibrated thermobarometers. Our data show that whilst non-sector-zoned crystals form under relatively stagnant conditions, sector zoning develops in response to low degrees of undercooling, such as during slow magma ascent. Thus, we propose that the chemistry of sector-zoned crystals can provide information on magma history, eruption triggers, and possibly ascent rates.58 3 - PublicationRestrictedAn analytical model for gas overpressure in slug-driven explosions: Insights into Strombolian volcanic eruptions(2012-02-10)
; ; ; ; ; ;Del Bello, E.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Llewellin, E. W.; University of Durham ;Taddeucci, J.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Scarlato, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia ;Lane, S.; Lancaster University; ; ; ; Strombolian eruptions, common at basaltic volcanoes, are mildly explosive events that are driven by a large bubble of magmatic gas (a slug) rising up the conduit and bursting at the surface. Gas overpressure within the bursting slug governs explosion dynamics and vigor and is the main factor controlling associated acoustic and seismic signals. We present a theoretical investigation of slug overpressure based on magma-static and geometric considerations and develop a set of equations that can be used to calculate the overpressure in a slug when it bursts, slug length at burst, and the depth at which the burst process begins. We find that burst overpressure is controlled by two dimensionless parameters: V′, which represents the amount of gas in the slug, and A′, which represents the thickness of the film of magma that falls around the rising slug. Burst overpressure increases nonlinearly as V′ and A′ increase. We consider two eruptive scenarios: (1) the “standard model,” in which magma remains confined to the vent during slug expansion, and (2) the “overflow model,” in which slug expansion is associated with lava effusion, as occasionally observed in the field. We find that slug overpressure is higher for the overflow model by a factor of 1.2–2.4. Applying our model to typical Strombolian eruptions at Stromboli, we find that the transition from passive degassing to explosive bursting occurs for slugs with volume >24–230 m3, depending on magma viscosity and conduit diameter, and that at burst, a typical Strombolian slug (with a volume of 100–1000 m3) has an internal gas pressure of 1–5 bars and a length of 13–120 m. We compare model predictions with field data from Stromboli for low-energy “puffers,” mildly explosive Strombolian eruptions, and the violently explosive 5 April 2003 paroxysm. We find that model predictions are consistent with field observations across this broad spectrum of eruptive styles, suggesting a common slug-driven mechanism; we propose that paroxysms are driven by unusually large slugs (large V′).310 26