High spatial resolution radon measurements reveal hidden active faults on Mt. Etna

Abstract

Radon emissions are frequently monitored in volcanically and tectonically active areas in order to reveal changes in soil degassing, as radon acts a tracer for the more abundant CO2 degassing commonly observed in such areas. Between July 2002 and May 2003 a series of discrete measurements of radon concentrations in soil were made with high spatial resolution (∼5–100 m) in the Santa Venerina area on Mt. Etna. These measurements revealed well-defined linear anomalies that we interpret as being caused by active faults whose higher porosity than surrounding soils allows an increased CO2 flux, carrying radon from beneath. These faults were not visible at the surface and were therefore revealed at high spatial resolution by our radon survey. Our hypothesis that the positive anomalies are attributable to active faults was strengthened by the observation of concentrated damage along this geometry during the earthquakes that struck this area in late October 2003.