http://hdl.handle.net/2122/186 Mon, 20 May 2013 20:43:13 GMT 2013-05-20T20:43:13Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/7257 Title: Spatial distribution of soil radon as a tool to recognize active faulting on an active volcano: the example of Mt. Etna (Italy) Authors: Neri, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia; Giammanco, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia; Ferrera, E.; Università degli Studi di Catania, Dip. Scienze della Terra, Corso Italia, 52 e 95129 Catania, Italy; Patanè, G.; Università degli Studi di Catania, Dip. Scienze della Terra, Corso Italia, 52 e 95129 Catania, Italy; Zanon, V.; Centro de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos Geológicos e Universidade dos Açores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal Abstract: This study concerns measurements of radon and thoron emissions from soil carried out in 2004 on the eastern flank of Mt. Etna, in a zone characterized by the presence of numerous seismogenic and aseismic faults. The statistical treatment of the geochemical data allowed recognizing anomaly thresholds for both parameters and producing distribution maps that highlighted a significant spatial correlation between soil gas anomalies and tectonic lineaments. The seismic activity occurring in and around the study area during 2004 was analyzed, producing maps of hypocentral depth and released seismic energy. Both radon and thoron anomalies were located in areas affected by relatively deep (5e10 km depth) seismic activity, while less evident correlation was found between soil gas anomalies and the released seismic energy. This study confirms that mapping the distribution of radon and thoron in soil gas can reveal hidden faults buried by recent soil cover or faults that are not clearly visible at the surface. The correlation between soil gas data and earthquakes depth and intensity can give some hints on the source of gas and/or on fault dynamics. Fri, 24 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/7257 2011-06-24T22:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/7256 Title: Radionuclide measurements, viad ifferent methodologies, as tool for geophysical studies on Mt. Etna Authors: Morelli, D.; Dipartimento diFisicaeAstronomia,Universit a diCatania,viaS.Sofia,64I-95123Catania,Italy; Immè, G.; Dipartimento diFisicaeAstronomia,Universit a diCatania,viaS.Sofia,64I-95123Catania,Italy; Altamore, I.; Dipartimento diFisicaeAstronomia,Universit a diCatania,viaS.Sofia,64I-95123Catania,Italy; Cammisa, S.; Dipartimento diFisicaeAstronomia,Universit a diCatania,viaS.Sofia,64I-95123Catania,Italy; Giammanco, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia; La Delfa, S.; Dipartimento diScienzeGeologiche,Universit a diCatania,CorsoItalia,57I-95127Catania,Italy; Mangano, G.; Dipartimento diFisicaeAstronomia,Universit a diCatania,viaS.Sofia,64I-95123Catania,Italy; Neri, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia; Patanè, G.; Dipartimento diScienzeGeologiche,Universit a diCatania,CorsoItalia,57I-95127Catania,Italy Abstract: Natural radioactivity measurements represent an interesting tool to study geodynamical events or soil geophysical characteristics. In this direction we carried out, in the last years, several radionuclide monitoring both in the volcanic and tectonic areas of the oriental Sicily. In particular we report in-soil Radon investigations, in a tectonic area, including both laboratory and in-site measurements, applying three different methodologies, based on both active and passive detection systems. The active detection devices consisted of solid-state silicon detectors equipped in portable systems for short-time measurements and for long-time monitoring. The passive technique consisted of solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD), CR-39 type, and allowed integrated measurements. The performances of the three methodologies were compared according to different kinds of monitoring. In general the results obtained with the three methodologies seem in agreement with each other and reflect the tectonic settings of the investigated area. Fri, 04 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/7256 2011-02-04T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/7104 Title: Societal need for improved understanding of climate change, anthropogenic impacts, and geo-hazard warning drive development of ocean observatories in European Seas Authors: Ruhl, H. A.; NOCS; Andrè, M.; UPC; Beranzoli, L.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Çagatay, M. N.; ITU; Colaço, A.; Univ. Azores; Cannat, M.; IPGP; Dañobeitia, J. J.; CSIC-UTM; Favali, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Géli, L.; IFREMER; Gillooly, M.; IMI; Greinert, J.; NIOZ; Hall, P. O. J.; Univ. Goteborg; Huber, R.; MARUM; Karstensen, J.; Univ. Kiel; Lampitt, R. S.; NOCS; Larkin, K. E.; NOCS; Lykousis, V.; HCMR; Mienert, J.; Univ. Tromsø; Miranda, J. M.; Univ. Lisboa; Person, R.; IFREMER; Priede, I. G.; Univ. Aberdeen; Puillat, I.; IFREMER; Thomsen, L.; Jacobs Univ. Bremen; Waldmann, C.; MARUM Abstract: Society’s needs for a network of in situ ocean observing systems cross many areas of earth and marine science. Here we review the science themes that benefit from data supplied from ocean observatories. Understanding from existing studies is fragmented to the extent that it lacks the coherent long-term monitoring needed to address questions at the scales essential to understand climate change and improve geo-hazard early warning. Data sets from the deep sea are particularly rare with long-term data available from only a few locations worldwide. These science areas have impacts on societal health and well-being and our awareness of ocean function in a shifting climate. Substantial efforts are underway to realise a network of open-ocean observatories around European Seas that will operate over multiple decades. Some systems are already collecting high-resolution data from surface, water column, seafloor, and sub-seafloor sensors linked to shore by satellite or cable connection in real or near-real time, along with samples and other data collected in a delayed mode. We expect that such observatories will contribute to answering major ocean science questions including: How can monitoring of factors such as seismic activity, pore fluid chemistry and pressure, and gas hydrate stability improve seismic, slope failure, and tsunami warning? What aspects of physical oceanography, biogeochemical cycling, and ecosystems will be most sensitive to climatic and anthropogenic change? What are natural versus anthropogenic changes? Most fundamentally, how are marine processes that occur at differing scales related? The development of ocean observatories provides a substantial opportunity for ocean science to evolve in Europe. Here we also describe some basic attributes of network design. Observatory networks provide the means to coordinate and integrate the collection of standardised data capable of bridging measurement scales across a dispersed area in European Seas adding needed certainty to estimates of future oceanic conditions. Observatory data can be analysed along with other data such as those from satellites, drifting floats, autonomous underwater vehicles, model analysis, and the known distribution and abundances of marine fauna in order to address some of the questions posed above. Standardised methods for information management are also becoming established to ensure better accessibility and traceability of these data sets and ultimately to increase their use for societal benefit. The connection of ocean observatory effort into larger frameworks including the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and the Global Monitoring of Environment and Security (GMES) is integral to its success. It is in a greater integrated framework that the full potential of the component systems will be realised. Fri, 31 Dec 2010 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/7104 2010-12-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/6067 Title: CO2 degassing at La Solfatara volcano (Phlegrean Fields): Processes affecting d13C and d18O of soil CO2 Authors: Federico, C.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; Corso, P. P.; Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche e Astronomiche, Universita` di Palermo.Italy; Fiordilino, E.; Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche e Astronomiche, Universita` di Palermo,Italy; Cardellini, C.; Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Universita` di Perugia,Italy; Chiodini, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; Parello, E.; Dipartimento CFTA, Universita` degli Studi di Palermo, Italy; Pisciotta, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia Abstract: The soil CO2 degassing is affected by processes of isotope exchange and fractionation during transport across the soil, which can deeply modify the pristine isotope composition. This has been observed in the Solfatara volcano, upon a field survey of 110 points, where the CO2 flux was measured, together with temperature, CO2 concentration and oxygen and carbon isotopes within the soil. Furthermore, in some selected sites, the measurements were made at different depths, in order to analyze vertical gradients. Oxygen isotope composition appears controlled by exchange with soil water (either meteoric or fumarolic condensate), due to the fast kinetic of the isotopic equilibrium between CO2 and water. Carbon isotope composition is reliably controlled by transport-driven fractionation, due to the differences in diffusion coefficients between 13C16O2 and 12C16O2. We model the processes affecting CO2 transport across the soil in La Solfatara volcano by means of the Dusty Gas Model applied to a multicomponent system, to evaluate the reciprocal effect on diffusion of involved gases, i.e. 12C16O2, 13C16O2, N2 and O2 in our case. Both numerical and simplified analytical solutions of the equations based on the Dusty Gas Model are given. The modeling results fit well with the experimental data and put in evidence an isotope fractionation of carbon up to about þ4:4& with respect to the source value in the soil gas. This fractionation is independent from the entity of the CO2 flux, and occurs as long as a concentration gradient exists within the soil. On these grounds, the Dusty Gas Model can be applied to whichever diffusing gas mixture to evaluate the extent of chemical and/or isotopic fractionation that can affect ascending gases upon diffusion in any geothermal, volcanic or tectonic area. Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/6067 2009-12-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/5595 Title: Re-orientation in clock-shifted homing pigeons subjected to a magnetic disturbance: a study with GPS data loggers Authors: Gagliardo, A.; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Pisa, Via Volta 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Savini, M.; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Pisa, Via Volta 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; De Santis, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Dell’Omo, G.; Ornis Italica, Piazza Crati 15, 00199 Rome, Italy; Ioalè, P.; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Pisa, Via Volta 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy Abstract: Some authors have proposed that homing pigeons are able to correct the error in orientation following a phase-shift treatment by using the magnetic compass reference. They reported that clock-shifted pigeons bearing magnets display a greater deflection compared to magnetically unmanipulated clock-shifted birds. However, this hypothesis tested by recording pigeons’ vanishing bearings has led to contradictory results. The present study reports pigeons’ tracks recorded with a GPS and shows that clockshifted pigeons bearing magnets displayed a greater deviation through the whole route compared to the magnetically unmanipulated shifted pigeons. Moreover, the analysis of the tracks shows that the birds belonging to both experimental groups stop in coincidence with their subjective night. When re-starting their journey, the birds corrected the clock-shift induced error in orientation, but the magnetically manipulated pigeons were less efficient in doing so. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that homing pigeons released from unfamiliar location re-orient after clock shift by using the magnetic compass. Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/5595 2009-11-30T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/4912 Title: Comparison between different methodologies for detecting Radon in soil along an active fault: the case of the Pernicana fault system, Mt. Etna (Italy) Authors: Giammanco, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia; Immè, G.; Dipartimento diFisicaeAstronomia,Universita` degli StudidiCatania,viaS.Sofia,64,95123Catania,Italy; Mangano, G.; Dipartimento diFisicaeAstronomia,Universita` degli StudidiCatania,viaS.Sofia,64,95123Catania,Italy; Morelli, D.; Dipartimento diFisicaeAstronomia,Universita` degli StudidiCatania,viaS.Sofia,64,95123Catania,Italy; Neri, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia Abstract: Three different methodologies were used to measure Radon (222Rn) in soil, based on both passive and active detection system. The first technique consisted of Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD), CR-39 type, and allowed integrated measurements. The second one consisted of a portable device for short time measurements. The last consisted of a continuous measurement device for extended monitoring, placed in selected sites. Soil 222Rn activity was measured together with soil Thoron (220Rn) and soil carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux, and it was compared with the content of radionuclides in the rocks. Two different soil gas horizontal transects were investigated across the Pernicana fault system (NE flank of Mount Etna), from November 2006 to April 2007. The results obtained with the three methodologies are in a general agreement with each other and reflect the tectonic settings of the investigated study area. The lowest 222Rn values were recorded just on the fault plane, and relatively higher values were recorded a few tens of meters from the fault axis on both of its sides. This pattern could be explained as a dilution effect resulting from high rates of soil CO2 efflux. Time variations of 222Rn activity were mostly linked to atmospheric influences, whereas no significant correlation with the volcanic activity was observed. In order to further investigate regional radon distributions, spot measurements were made to identify sites having high Rn emissions that could subsequently be monitored for temporal radon variations.. SSNTD measurements allow for extended-duration monitoring of a relatively large number of sites, although with some loss of temporal resolution due to their long integration time. Continuous monitoring probes are optimal for detailed time monitoring, but because of their expense, they can best be used to complement the information acquired with SSNTD in a network of monitored sites.. Wed, 31 Dec 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/4912 2008-12-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/4608 Title: Campionatore di profondità per gas disciolti Authors: Cosenza, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; Riccobono, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; Caracausi, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; Nicolosi, M.; Dipartimento CFTA, Universita` di Palermo, Palermo, Italy. Abstract: I sistemi di campionamento d’acque per lo studio dei gas disciolti, devono rispondere all’esigenza di mantenere integra la quantità di gas disciolto, in relazione al volume di acqua campionata, e di preservarne la composizione fino all’analisi in laboratorio. Le procedure di campionamento descritte in letteratura si riferiscono quasi esclusivamente a due tipologie di campionatori: a) bottiglie di campionamento tipo Niskin, progettate per il campionamento di acque profonde, ma che non consentono una facile operatività in laboratorio ed un’adeguata conservazione dei gas disciolti dopo il campionamento, soprattutto quando la loro pressione è superiore a quella atmosferica; b) bottiglie di vetro con tappi di gomma e ghiere di alluminio, estraendo i gas disciolti mediante l’immissione di un gas di estrazione, secondo la metodologia descritta in Capasso & Inguaggiato [1998] e Inguaggiato & Rizzo [2004]. In letteratura sono anche riportate metodologie di campionamento, per il prelievo delle acque in profondità, che utilizzano pompe peristaltiche; queste metodologie tuttavia provocano fenomeni di essoluzione e separazione dei gas disciolti, rendendo impossibile un’accurata stima delle quantità di gas disciolti per volume di acqua. Il campionamento di acque profonde, sia marine che lacustri, implica spesso la presenza di volatili disciolti aventi pressioni anche notevolmente superiori a quella atmosferica, con la facile conseguenza di indesiderati effetti di essoluzione precoce e perdita parziale dei gas stessi, poiché tali campioni si trovano a pressione più elevata rispetto a quella della superficie. Essendo, infatti, la concentrazione dei gas disciolti in acqua (Xi) legata alla pressione parziale del gas stesso (Pi), oltre che alla costante di Henry (Khi) (Xi=Pi/Khi), risulta evidente come una diminuzione della pressione rischi di fare raggiungere la sovrassaturazione delle specie gassose, la loro essoluzione e la loro parziale perdita. Quindi risulta di fondamentale importanza prelevare il campione d’acqua, coi gas disciolti, con campionatori in grado d’isolare il campione d’acqua prelevato dalle condizioni di pressione esterne, prevenendo la separazione del gas per depressurizzazione. Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/4608 2007-12-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/4139 Title: Comparison between different methodologies for detecting Radon in soil along an active fault: the case of the Pernicana fault system, Mt. Etna (Italy) Authors: Giammanco, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia; Immè, G.; Dipartimento diFisicaeAstronomia,Universita` degli StudidiCatania,viaS.Sofia,64,95123Catania,Italy; Mangano, G.; Dipartimento diFisicaeAstronomia,Universita` degli StudidiCatania,viaS.Sofia,64,95123Catania,Italy; Morelli, D.; Dipartimento diFisicaeAstronomia,Universita` degli StudidiCatania,viaS.Sofia,64,95123Catania,Italy; Neri, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Catania, Catania, Italia Abstract: Three different methodologies were used to measure Radon (222Rn) in soil, based on both passive and active detection system. The first technique consisted of Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD), CR-39 type, and allowed integrated measurements. The second one consisted of a portable device for short time measurements. The last consisted of a continuous measurement device for extended monitoring, placed in selected sites. Soil 222Rn activity was measured together with soil Thoron (220Rn) and soil carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux, and it was compared with the content of radionuclides in the rocks. Two different soil gas horizontal transects were investigated across the Pernicana fault system (NE flank of Mount Etna), from November 2006 to April 2007. The results obtained with the three methodologies are in a general agreement with each other and reflect the tectonic settings of the investigated study area. The lowest 222Rn values were recorded just on the fault plane, and relatively higher values were recorded a few tens of meters from the fault axis on both of its sides. This pattern could be explained as a dilution effect resulting from high rates of soil CO2 efflux. Time variations of 222Rn activity were mostly linked to atmospheric influences, whereas no significant correlation with the volcanic activity was observed. In order to further investigate regional radon distributions, spot measurements were made to identify sites having high Rn emissions that could subsequently be monitored for temporal radon variations.. SSNTD measurements allow for extended-duration monitoring of a relatively large number of sites, although with some loss of temporal resolution due to their long integration time. Continuous monitoring probes are optimal for detailed time monitoring, but because of their expense, they can best be used to complement the information acquired with SSNTD in a network of monitored sites. Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/4139 2007-12-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/2963 Title: Towards a permanent deep sea observatory,: the GEOSTAR European Experiment. Authors: Favali, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Smriglio, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Beranzoli, L.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Braun, T.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia; Calcara, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; D'Anna, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione CNT, Roma, Italia; De Santis, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Di Mauro, D.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Etiope, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Frugoni, F.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Iafolla, V.; Ist. di Fisica dello Spazio Interplanetario, Roma; Monna, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Montuori, C.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Nozzoli, S.; Ist. di Fisica dello Spazio Interplanetario, Roma; Palangio, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Romeo, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma1, Roma, Italia Editors: Beranzoli, L.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Favali, P.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia; Smriglio, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia Abstract: GEOSTAR is the prototype of the first European long-term, multidisciplinary deep sea observatory for continuous monitoring of geophysical, geochemical and oceanographic parameters. Geostar is the example of a strong synergy between science and tecnology addressed to the development of new technological solutions for the observatory realisation and management. The GEOSTAR system is described outlining the enhancements introduced during five years of project activity. An example of data retrieved from the observatory being the deep sea mission running is also given. Mon, 31 Dec 2001 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/2963 2001-12-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/2218 Title: Eddy covariance measurements of geothermal heat flux at Solfatara Volcano, Naples, Italy Authors: Werner, C.; Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, Private Bag 2000, Taupo, New Zealand; Chiodini, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; Granieri, D.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; Caliro, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; Avino, R.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia; Russo, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione OV, Napoli, Italia Abstract: The first measurements of volcanic/hydrothermal water vapor and heat flux using eddy covariance (EC) were made at Solfatara crater, Italy, June 8–25, 2001. Deployment at six different locations within the crater allowed areas of focused gas venting to be variably included in the measured flux. Turbulent (EC) fluxes of water vapor varied between 680 and 11200g H2O m−2 d−1. Heat fluxes varied diurnally with the solar input, and the volcanic component of sensible heat ranged from ∼25 to 238W m−2. The highest measurements of both sensible and latent heat flux were made downwind of hot soil regions and degassing pools and during mid-day. The ratio of average volcanic heat (both latent and sensible) to CO2 flux resulted in an equivalent H2O/CO2 flux ratio of 2.2 by weight, which reflects the deep source H2O/CO2 gas ratio. The amount latent heat flux/evaporation was determined to be consistent both with what would be expected from the magnitude of CO2 fluxes and the fumarolic H2O/CO2 ratio, as well as with observed surface temperatures and wind speeds given a moist soil. This suggests that the water vapor that condenses in the shallow subsurface is remobilized at the soil–atmosphere interface through variable evaporation dependent on the deep heat flux and surface temperature. The results suggest that EC provides a quick and easy method to monitor average H2O/CO2 ratios continuously in volcanic regions, providing another important tool for volcanic hazards monitoring. Sat, 31 Dec 2005 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2122/2218 2005-12-31T23:00:00Z