http://hdl.handle.net/2122/180 Ricerca nel canale cerca http://www.earth-prints.org/simple-search http://hdl.handle.net/2122/6042 Titolo: EMEP/EEA air pollutant emission inventory guidebook 2009<br/><br/>Autori: Etiope, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia<br/><br/>Abstract: Studies performed since 2000 have demonstrated that geologic emissions of methane are animportant global greenhouse-gas source (Etiope, 2004; Kvenvolden and Rogers, 2005; Etiopeal, 2008). It is recognised that significant amounts of methane, produced within the Earth crust,released naturally into the atmosphere through faults and fractured rocks. Major emissions arerelated to hydrocarbon production in sedimentary basins (microbial and thermogenic methane),through continuous exhalation and eruptions from more than 1 200 onshore and offshore mudvolcanoes, more than 10 000 onshore and shallow marine seeps and through diffuse soilmicroseepage. Specifically, six source categories must be considered: mud volcanoes, gas seeps(independent of mud volcanism), microseepage (diffuse exhalation from soil in petroleum basins),submarine seepage, geothermal (non-volcanic) manifestations and volcanoes. Global emissionestimates range from 42 to 64 Tg y-1 (mean of 53 Tg y-1), almost 10 % of the total CH4 emission,representing the second most important natural methane source after wetlands. Geo-CH4 sourceswould also represent the missing source of fossil methane recognised in the recent re-evaluationthe fossil methane budget in the atmosphere (about 30 %; Lassey et al,, 2007; Etiope et al, 2008),which implies a total fossil methane emission much higher than that due to fossil fuel industry.The global geo-CH4 emission estimates are of the same level as or higher than other sources orsinks considered in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) tables, such asbiomass burning, termites and soil uptake. Recent studies indicate that Earth’s degassing alsoaccounts for at least 17 % and 10 % of total ethane and propane emissions (Etiope and Ciccioli,2009). http://hdl.handle.net/2122/6041 Titolo: GLOGOS, A New Global Onshore Gas-Oil Seeps Dataset<br/><br/>Autori: Etiope, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia<br/><br/>Abstract: Petroleum seeps have historically been important drivers of global petroleum exploration. Still today they can serve as direct indicators of gas and/oroil subsurface accumulations. In particular the assessment of the origin of seeping gas is a key task for understanding, without drilling, the subsurfacehydrocarbon potential, genesis and quality; e.g., the presence of shallow microbial gas, deeper thermogenic accumulations, the presence of oil andnon-hydrocarbon undesirable gases (CO2, N2, H2S). Seeps are then indicators of tectonic discontinuities (faults) and fractured rocks; they can alsorepresent geo-hazards and sources of greenhouse gas (methane) and photochemical pollutants (ethane and propane).A new global dataset of onshore gas and oil seeps (GLOGOS) is here presented. GLOGOS includes more than 1150 seeps from 84 countries (versionAugust 2009), and it is continuously updated and expanded. The dataset includes geographical and gas-geochemical data (molecular and isotopiccomposition of the main gases). Many seeps are recently discovered or never reported in other databases. Seeps are catalogued by country andclassified in three types: gas seeps, oil seeps and mud volcanoes. All seeps have a bibliographic or www reference. GLOGOS is a unique tool forhydrocarbon exploration, assessment of Total Petroleum Systems and geo- structural studies. http://hdl.handle.net/2122/6040 Titolo: A GLOBAL DATASET OF ONSHORE GAS AND OIL SEEPS: A NEW TOOL FOR HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION<br/><br/>Autori: Etiope, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia<br/><br/>Abstract: Petroleum seeps have historically been important drivers of global petroleum exploration.Still today they can serve as direct indicators of gas and/or oil subsurface accumulations.In particular the assessment of the origin of seeping gas is a key task for understanding, withoutdrilling, the subsurface hydrocarbon potential, genesis and quality, e.g. the presence of shallowmicrobial gas, deeper thermogenic accumulations, the presence of oil and non-hydrocarbonundesirable gases (CO2, N2, H2S). Low quality, biodegraded petroleum can also be recognised,before drilling, through specific geochemical features of the seeping gas.Seeps are then indicators of tectonic discontinuities (faults) and fractured rocks; theycan also represent geo-hazards and sources of greenhouse gas (methane) and photochemicalpollutants (ethane and propane).A new global dataset of onshore gas and oil seeps (GLOGOS) is here presented.GLOGOS includes more than 1150 seeps from 84 countries (version August 2009) and it iscontinuously updated and expanded. The data-set includes geographical and gas-geochemicaldata (molecular and isotopic composition of the main gases). Many seeps are recentlydiscovered or never reported in other data-bases. Seeps are catalogued by country and classifiedin three types: gas seeps, oil seeps and mud volcanoes. All seeps have a bibliographic orwww reference. GLOGOS is a unique tool for hydrocarbon exploration, assessment of TotalPetroleum Systems and geo-structural studies. http://hdl.handle.net/2122/5744 Titolo: Modelling approach to the assessment of biogenic fluxes at a selected Ross Sea site, Antarctica<br/><br/>Autori: Vichi, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Bologna, Bologna, Italia; Coluccelli, A.; UniPoliMa; Ravaioli, F.; CNR-ISMAR; Giglio, F.; CNR-ISMAR; Langone, L.; CNR-ISMAR; Azzaro, M.; CNR-IAMC; Azzaro, F.; CNR-IAMC; La Ferla, R.; CNR-IAMC; Catalano, G.; CNR-ISMAR; Cozzi, S.; CNR-ISMAR<br/><br/>Abstract: Several biogeochemical data have been collected in the last 10 years of Italian activity in Antarctica (ABIOCLEAR, ROSSMIZE, BIOSESO-I/II). A comprehensive 1-D biogeochemical model was implemented as a tool to link observations with processes and to investigate the mechanisms that regulate the flux of biogenic material through the water column. The model is ideally located at station B (175° E–74° S) and was set up to reproduce the seasonal cycle of phytoplankton and organic matter fluxes as forced by the dominant water column physics over the period 1990–2001. Austral spring-summer bloom conditions are assessed by comparing simulated nutrient drawdown, primary production rates, bacterial respiration and biomass with the available observations. The simulated biogenic fluxes of carbon, nitrogen and silica have been compared with the fluxes derived from sediment traps data. The model reproduces the observed magnitude of the biogenic fluxes, especially those found in the bottom sediment trap, but the peaks are markedly delayed in time. Sensitivity experiments have shown that the characterization of detritus, the choice of the sinking velocity and the degradation rates are crucial for the timing and magnitude of the vertical fluxes. An increase of velocity leads to a shift towards observation but also to an overestimation of the deposition flux which can be counteracted by higher bacterial remineralization rates. Model results suggest that the timing of the observed fluxes depends first and foremost on the timing of surface production and on a combination of size-distribution and quality of the autochtonous biogenic material. It is hypothesized that the bottom sediment trap collects material originated from the rapid sinking of freshly-produced particles and also from the previous year's production period. http://hdl.handle.net/2122/5632 Titolo: Importance of methane and nitrous oxide for Europe’s terrestrial greenhouse-gas balance<br/><br/>Autori: Schulze, E. D.; Max-Planck Institut für Biogeochemie, 07701 Jena, Germany; Luyssaert, S.; Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement, IPSL-LSCE, CEA-CNRS-UVSQ, Gif sur Yvette, France; Ciais, P.; Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement, IPSL-LSCE, CEA-CNRS-UVSQ, Gif sur Yvette, France; Freibauer, A.; Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Institut für Agrarrelevante Klimaforschung, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany; Janssens, I. A.; Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Soussana, J. F.; INRA, UREP Grassland Ecosystem Research, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Smith, P.; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK; Grace, J.; School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH93JN, UK; Levin, I.; Institut für Umweltphysik,University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Thiruchittampalam, B.; Institut für Energiewirtschaft und Rationelle Energieanwendung, University of Stuttgart, Germany; Heimann, M.; Max-Planck Institut für Biogeochemie, 07701 Jena, Germany; Dolman, A. J.; VU University, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands; Valentini, R.; Department of Forest Science and Environment, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy; Bousquet, P.; Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement, IPSL-LSCE, CEA-CNRS-UVSQ, Gif sur Yvette, France; Peylin, P.; Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement, IPSL-LSCE, CEA-CNRS-UVSQ, Gif sur Yvette, France; Peters, W.; Wageningen University and Research Centre, PO Box 47, NL-6700AA Wageningen, The Netherlands; Rödenbeck, C.; Max-Planck Institut für Biogeochemie, 07701 Jena, Germany; Etiope, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Vuichard, N.; Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement, IPSL-LSCE, CEA-CNRS-UVSQ, Gif sur Yvette, France; Wattenbach, M.; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK; Nabuurs, G. J.; European Forest Institute, Torikatu 24, 80100 Joensuu, Finland; Poussi, Z.; Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement, IPSL-LSCE, CEA-CNRS-UVSQ, Gif sur Yvette, France; Nieschulze, J.; Max-Planck Institut für Biogeochemie, 07701 Jena, Germany; Gash, J. H.; VU University, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands; CarboEurope Team, .; www.carboeurope.org<br/><br/>Abstract: Climate change negotiations aim to reduce net greenhouse-gas emissions by encouraging direct reductions of emissions and crediting countries for their terrestrial greenhouse-gas sinks. Ecosystem carbon dioxide uptake has offset nearly 10% of Europe’s fossil fuel emissions, but not all of this may be creditable under the rules of the Kyoto Protocol. Although this treaty recognizes the importance of methane and nitrous oxide emissions, scientific research has largely focused on carbon dioxide. Here we review recent estimates of European carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide fluxes between 2000 and 2005, using both top-down estimates based on atmospheric observations and bottom-up estimates derived from ground-based measurements. Both methods yield similar fluxes of greenhouse gases, suggesting that methane emissions from feedstock and nitrous oxide emissions from arable agriculture are fully compensated for by the carbon dioxide sink provided by forests and grasslands.As a result, the balance for all greenhouse gases across Europe’s terrestrial biosphere is near neutral, despite carbon sequestration in forests and grasslands. The trend towards more intensive agriculture and logging is likely to make Europe’s land surface a significant source of greenhouse gases. The development of land management policies which aim to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions should be a priority. http://hdl.handle.net/2122/5541 Titolo: Benthic habitat characterization and distribution from two representative sites of the deep-water SML Coral Province (Mediterranean)<br/><br/>Autori: Vertino, A.; ULR CoNISMa-Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche, Sezione di Oceanologia e Paleoecologia, Catania University, Corso Italia 57, I-95129 Catania, Italy; Savini, A.; ULR CoNISMa-Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche e Geotecnologia, Milano-Bicocca University, Piazza della Scienza 4, I-20126 Milano, Italy; Rosso, A.; ULR CoNISMa-Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche, Sezione di Oceanologia e Paleoecologia, Catania University, Corso Italia 57, I-95129 Catania, Italy; Di Geronimo, I.; ULR CoNISMa-Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche, Sezione di Oceanologia e Paleoecologia, Catania University, Corso Italia 57, I-95129 Catania, Italy; Mastrototaro, F.; ULR CoNISMa-Dipartimeto di Biologia Animale ed Ambientale Università degli Studi di Bari, Via Orabona 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy; Sanfilippo, R.; ULR CoNISMa-Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche, Sezione di Oceanologia e Paleoecologia, Catania University, Corso Italia 57, I-95129 Catania, Italy; Gay, G.; Gay-Marine, Viale Roma 66, I-22068 Turate (Como), Italy; Etiope, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia<br/><br/>Abstract: Two sites (MS04 and MS06) from the Santa Maria di Leuca (SML) Coral Province were analyzed by a video and acoustic survey during the National Italian Project Apulian Plateau Bank Ecosystem Study (APLABES). Site MS04 (Atlantis Mound) is characterized by a sub-conical mound, 500 m wide and 25 mhigh, located at a water depth of about 650 m. Site MS06 (Yellow Chain)comprises several elongated reliefs (NNW–SSE-oriented), up to 25 m high and 500 m in maximum lateral extent, located at a depth of between 490 and 540 m. At both sites, two main mesohabitats (mound and intermound) containing several coral-bearing and-barren macrohabitats were observed in recorded videos and detected in side- scan sonographs. The coral-rich macrohabitats, characterized by densely packed colonies of the scleractinians Madrepora oculata and, secondarily, Lophelia pertusa (M/L), are typically restricted to the mound areas. The mud-dominated ones, almost devoid of M/L colonies, are more common withinthe intermound mesohabitat. However, on the most extensive mounds, both macrohabitat typologies exist. They are heterogeneously distributed on the mound surface, often showing a clear differentiationalong two opposite flanks of the same topographic feature. M/L-rich macrohabitats are preferentially located on top and along the mound northeastern flank, showing a typical step-like distribution, probably reflecting the arrangement of hard substrate outcrops. Along this flank, fan-shaped Madrepora colonies and sponges are often oriented NNW–SSE, implying, together with other evidence, a primary southwestern current flow. The hard-bottom macrohabitats of the southwestern mound flank aregenerally restricted to sparse exposed, subvertical to overhanging scarps as well as to heterometric boulders located at the scarp base. Their fauna is mainly characterized by small-sized organisms (suchas sponges and solitary scleractinians although m-sized boulders may locally host very large antipatharian colonies (Leiopathes glaberrima). The heterogeneous distribution of the observed benthic macrohabitats seems to be strictly related to the local topography, the main current flow (and consequently larvae/food supply per unit of time), and the substrate typology (hard-vs. soft-bottom). http://hdl.handle.net/2122/5540 Titolo: Deep-sea survey for the detection of methane at the ‘‘Santa Maria di Leuca’’ cold-water coral mounds ( Ionian Sea, South Italy)<br/><br/>Autori: Etiope, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Savini, A.; ULR CoNISMa-Department of Geological Sciences and Geotechnologies–University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 4, 20126 Milano, Italy; Lo Bue, N.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Favali, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Corselli, C.; ULR CoNISMa-Department of Geological Sciences and Geotechnologies–University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 4, 20126 Milano, Italy<br/><br/>Abstract: The ‘‘Santa Maria di Leuca" Cold-Water Coral (CWC) province (northern Ionian Sea) was investigated for the first time to detect eventual occurrence of methane anomalies as a possible indication of hydrocarbon seepage stimulating the coral growth. Most coral mounds have developed incorrespondence with tectonic scarps and faults, orthogonal to the southern margin and trending NW-SE, which could be potential sites of gas escape. A visual and instrumental inspection was performed byusing a new deep-sea probe equipped with video-cameras, sonar, CTD, methane sensors, and a water sampler. Eight areas were explored by 10 surveys, depths ranging from 380 to 1100 m, for a total of morethan 26h of continuous video and instrumental recording. Sediments were also sampled by gravity corers and analysed in laboratory.The images allowed to assess distribution, abundance and geometry of the colonies, most of which are developed on morphological highs often characterised by tectonic scarps. All data indicate howeverthe lack of a significant occurrence of methane, both in seawater and sediments. No direct or indirect expressions of gas seepage were recognised on the seabed. Weak methane anomalies were detectedonly in seawater at the base of some fault-linked scarps, where more reducing conditions and bacterial methanogenesis are possibly enhanced by less water circulation. The faults are not fluid-bearing aspreviously suggested by high-resolution geophysical signatures. The development of the coral colonies thus cannot be attributed to seeping fluids, but to a favourable physiographic position with exposure tonutrient-rich currents. http://hdl.handle.net/2122/5108 Titolo: Dike propagation in volcanic edifices: Overview and possible developments<br/><br/>Autori: Acocella, V.; Dip. Scienze Geologiche Roma Tre. Largo S.L. Murialdo 1, 00146, Roma, Italy; Neri, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia<br/><br/>Abstract: Eruptions are fed by dikes; therefore, better knowledge of dike propagation is necessary to improve ourunderstanding of how magma is transferred and extruded at volcanoes. This study presents an overview ofdike patterns and the factors controlling dike propagation within volcanic edifices. Largely based onpublished data, three main types of dikes (regional, circumferential and radial) are illustrated and discussed.Dike pattern data from 25 volcanic edifices in different settings are compared to derive semi-quantitativerelationships between the topography (relief, shape, height, and presence of sector collapses) of the volcano,tectonic setting (presence of a regional stress field), and mean composition (SiO2 content). The overviewdemonstrates how dike propagation in a volcano is not a random process; rather, it depends from thefollowing factors (listed in order of importance): the presence of relief, the shape of the edifice and regionaltectonic control. We find that taller volcanoes develop longer radial dikes, whose (mainly lateral)propagation is independent of the composition of magma or the aspect ratio of the edifice. Future research,starting from these preliminary evaluations, should be devoted to identifying dike propagation paths andlikely locations of vent formation at specific volcanoes, to better aid hazards assessment. http://hdl.handle.net/2122/3466 Titolo: Geologic emissions of methane to the atmosphere<br/><br/>Autori: Etiope, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Klusman, R.; Colorado School of Mines<br/><br/>Abstract: The atmospheric methane budget is commonly defined assuming that major sources derive from the biosphere(wetlands, rice paddies, animals, termites) and that fossil, radiocarbon-free CH4 emission is due to and mediated byanthropogenic activity (natural gas production and distribution, and coal mining). However, the amount of radiocarbon-free CH4 in the atmosphere, estimated at approximately 20% of atmospheric CH4, is higher than the estimatesfrom statistical data of CH4 emission from fossil fuel related anthropogenic sources. This work documents that significantamounts of ‘‘old’’ methane, produced within the Earth crust, can be released naturally into the atmospherethrough gas permeable faults and fractured rocks. Major geologic emissions of methane are related to hydrocarbonproduction in sedimentary basins (biogenic and thermogenic methane) and, subordinately, to inorganic reactions(Fischer-Tropsch type) in geothermal systems. Geologic CH4 emissions include diffuse fluxes over wide areas, or microseepage,on the order of 100–102 mgm 2 day 1, and localised flows and gas vents, on the order of 102 t y 1, both onland and on the seafloor. Mud volcanoes producing flows of up to 103 t y 1 represent the largest visible expression ofgeologic methane emission. Several studies have indicated that methanotrophic consumption in soil may be insufficientto consume all leaking geologic CH4 and positive fluxes into the atmosphere can take place in dry or seasonally coldenvironments. Unsaturated soils have generally been considered a major sink for atmospheric methane, and never acontinuous, intermittent, or localised source to the atmosphere.Although geologic CH4 sources need to be quantified more accurately, a preliminary global estimate indicates thatthere are likely more than enough sources to provide the amount of methane required to account for the suspectedmissing source of fossil CH4. http://hdl.handle.net/2122/3453 Titolo: Modelling approach to the assessment of biogenic fluxes at a selected Ross Sea site, Antarctica<br/><br/>Autori: Vichi, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Bologna, Bologna, Italia; Coluccelli, A.; UNIVPM, Italy; Ravaioli, M.; CNR-ISMAR; Giglio, F.; CNR-ISMAR; Langone, L.; CNR-ISMAR; Azzaro, M.; CNR-IAMC; Azzaro, F.; CNR-IAMC; La Ferla, R.; CNR-IAMC; Cozzi, S.; CNR-ISMAR; Catalano, G.; CNR-ISMAR<br/><br/>Abstract: Abstract Several biogeochemical data have been collected in the last 10 years of Italian activity in Antarctica (ABIOCLEAR, ROSSMIZE, BIOSESO-I/II). A comprehensive 1-D biogeochemical model was implemented as a tool to link observations with processes and to investigate the mechanisms that regulate the flux of biogenic material through the water column. The model is ideally located at station B (175^{o}E - 74^{o}S) and was set up to reproduce the seasonal cycle of phytoplankton and organic matter fluxes as forced by the dominant water column physics over the period 1990-2001. Austral spring-summer bloom conditions are assessed by comparing simulated nutrient drawdown, primary production rates, bacterial respiration and biomass with the available observations. The simulated biogenic fluxes of carbon, nitrogen and silica have been compared with the fluxes derived from sediment traps data. The model reproduces quite well the magnitude of the biogenic fluxes, expecially those observed in the bottom sediment trap, but the peaks are delayed in time. Sensitivity experiments have shown that the characterization of detritus, the choice of the sinking velocity and the degradation rates are crucial for the timing and magnitude of the vertical fluxes. An increase of velocity leads to a shift towards observation but also to an overestimation of the deposition flux which can be counteracted by higher bacterial remineralization rates. Model results suggest that observed fluxes could be explained by the size-distribution and quality of the locally-produced biogenic material. It is hypothesized that the bottom sediment trap collects material originated from rapid sinking of particles and also from previous years production periods, likely modulated by advective and aggregation mechanisms which are still not resolved by the model.