Options
Favara, Rocco
Loading...
Preferred name
Favara, Rocco
Email
rocco.favara@ingv.it
Staff
staff
ORCID
68 results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 68
- PublicationRestrictedEvaluation of carbon isotope fractionation of soil CO2 under an advective–diffusive regimen: A tool for computing the isotopic composition of unfractionated deep source(2007-06-15)
; ; ; ; ;Camarda, M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;De Gregorio, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Favara, R.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Gurrieri, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; ; ; A physical model based on the advective–diffusion theory was developed in order to describe the mixing between a deep gas source and the atmosphere. The model was used to predict the isotopic fractionation of carbon in soil CO2. Gas samples were collected at different depths in areas characterized by different geological settings and CO2 fluxes. The relative theoretical and experimental isotopic profiles were compared and a good agreement was found. These profiles show how the isotopic composition of CO2 changes through the upper few decimeters of soil and how the amount of the isotopic fractionation is strongly influenced by soil CO2 flux. Finally, the model was used to derive the carbon isotopic composition of unfractioned deep CO2 source for all the investigated sites365 40 - PublicationRestrictedGroundwater nitrate risk assessment using intrinsic vulnerability methods: A comparative study of environmental impact by intensive farming in the Mediterranean region of Sicily, Italy(2015)
; ; ; ;Pisciotta, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Cusimano, G.; Dipartimento di Geologia e Geodesia dell'Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi n. 22, 90123 Palermo, Italy ;Favara, R.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; ; Groundwater contamination by nitrate and other nutrients is a major problem throughout the world, often occurring as the result of anthropogenic activities, lack of management, and over-exploitation of groundwater resources. In the last fewdecades in the majority of the Italian regions, the nitrate concentrations in groundwater have dramatically increased, mainly as a consequence of the large-scale agricultural application of manure and fertilizers. This excessive use of chemicals and fertilizers increases the risk of surface and groundwater pollution fromdiffuse sources, which have an important impact on human health and the environment. Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean, the total area of the island is 25,711 km2, with more than 5 million inhabitants. The terrain of inland Sicily is mostly hilly and intensively cultivated wherever it was possible, nitrate vulnerable zone about 40% of flat areas and 5.37% of total. The test site is located in Canicattì (central Sicily); the current land use (grape, olive and almond cultivation) constitutes the main source of groundwater pollution. In order to investigate the effect of over-farming on groundwater quality and to indentify an appropriate methodology for pollution risk management, we have carried out a comparative study on the potential risk of contamination from nitrate of agricultural origin, according to the conventional parametrical methods used in Europe; the IPNOA parametric model (agricultural nitrates hazard index) method combined with the SINTACS and DRASTIC intrinsic aquifer vulnerabilitymethods. All parameters used in this risk assessment were prepared, classified, weighed, and integrated in a GIS environment. For calibrating the models and optimizing and/or weighing the examined factors, the modeling results were validated by comparing them with groundwater quality data, in particular nitrate content, and with census data fromthe potential pollution sources. The criterion for checking this method was the correlation coefficient of each model with the nitrate concentration in the groundwater. A relative coincidence of a high nitrate concentration and risk mapping was observed, but this correlation was only significant using the SINTACS method. In fact, the final risk maps show significant differences in risk quality assessment; the DRASTIC model values show an over-evaluation of the real contest. In conclusion, the SINTACS parametric method appears to be the most suitable for constructing a relevant risk map of the contamination of these aquifers, which are considered to be typical of the Mediterranean region for their hydrogeological and hydrochemical features499 117 - PublicationRestrictedStress-induced temperature variations in groundwater of the Monferrato area (north-western Italy)(2012-05)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;De Gregorio, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Federico, C.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Cappuzzo, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Favara, R.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Giudice, G.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Gurrieri, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Boschi, E.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione AC, Roma, Italia; ; ; ; ; ; Although characterized by low seismicity, the Monferrato area of north-western Italy was affected by earthquakes, of magnitude M5.1 and M4.8, in 2000 and 2001. At the same time, marked changes were recorded in water temperature and chemistry in several wells within the epicentral area. In May 2004, an automatic network for the continuous monitoring of groundwater was installed in selected wells to study the phenomenon. Here, we report on data collected during a 3-year period of groundwater monitoring. During the first year, episodes of water heating (by up to 20°C) were observed in one monitored well. The temporal analysis of the seismic activity recorded in the area revealed as almost all seismic events occurred during the period of elevated water temperatures. The similar timing of earthquakes and groundwater-temperature anomalies suggests that both may be triggered by the same processes acting in the crust.541 27 - PublicationOpen AccessGroundwaters of Mt. Vulture volcano, southern Italy: Chemistry and sulfur isotope composition of dissolved sulfate(2010)
;Paternoster, M. ;Parisi, S.; ; ;Mongelli, G. ;Paternoster, M.; Dipartimento di Chimica, Universitá degli Studi della Basilicata, Campus Macchia Romana, I-85100 Potenza, Italy ;Parisi, S.; Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche, Universitá degli Studi della Basilicata, Campus Macchia Romana, I-85100 Potenza, Italy ;Caracausi, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Favara, R.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Mongelli, G.; Dipartimento di Chimica, Universitá degli Studi della Basilicata, Campus Macchia Romana, I-85100 Potenza, Italy ;Dipartimento di Chimica, Universitá degli Studi della Basilicata, Campus Macchia Romana, I-85100 Potenza, Italy ;Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche, Universitá degli Studi della Basilicata, Campus Macchia Romana, I-85100 Potenza, Italy; ; Dipartimento di Chimica, Universitá degli Studi della Basilicata, Campus Macchia Romana, I-85100 Potenza, ItalyWe report the chemical composition of groundwaters—including the first data on the sulfur isotopic composition of dissolved sulfate—from the volcanic aquifers of Mt. Vulture, one of the most important hydrological basins of southern Italy. A total of 27 water samples taken at different altitudes among drilled wells and springs were collected. The majority of groundwaters have a bicarbonate alkaline and bicarbonate alkaline-earth composition. High-salinity waters are sulfatebicarbonate alkaline in composition. The water-rock interaction process is mainly affected from uprising of CO2-rich gases which cause an increase of the water acidity promoting basalt weathering with an enrichment in certain chemical species (i.e., Na+, Ca2+, SO4 2–) and a high total carbon content. The δ34S values of dissolved sulfate ranging from +4‰ to +8.6‰ can be explained by leaching of volcanites. Higher δ34S values (from 9.6‰ to 10.4‰) detected in a few water springs can be ascribed either to the interaction with the pyroclastic layer rich in feldspathoids, such as haüyna, that have sulfur isotopic compositions up to +10.6‰ or animal manure contamination inducing localized bacterial sulfate reduction with an increase in the δ34S of sulfate. Taking into account that Upper Triassic evaporite deposits have higher δ34S values (from +13.5‰ to +17.4‰,) than those measured in all water samples the dissolution of these deposits could be excluded.211 337 - PublicationRestrictedGeochemical Monitoring of Cold Waters during Seismicity: Implications for Earthquake-induced Modification in Shallow Aquifers(2005-10)
; ; ; ; ; ;Italiano, F.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Caracausi, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Favara, R.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Martinelli, G.; ARPA Emilia Romagna ;Innocenzi, P.; VUS-Foligno; ; ; ; The geochemical monitoring carried out on fluids released in the Central Apennines (Umbria region) evidenced seismically-induced modifications of the physic-chemical parameters in all the released fluids, including some cold waters circulating in certain carbonate rocks that are exploited for drinking purposes. The results allowed us to recognize the presence of components of diverse origin that changed the chemical composition of the water. These components, potentially dangerous for human consumption, can be considered as being “secondary effects” on local aquifers, induced by crustal deformation. We would also stress the relationship between the circulating fluids and active tectonic structures, as we detected modifications in some springs that were apparently not located anywhere near the local faults. The temporal variations in the geochemical features of the investigated cold waters are related to the local faulting activity that occurs during seismogenesis. The geochemical monitoring that provided information on fault movements during the seismic crisis, is also able to give us information regarding faulting activity in its earlier stages.176 35 - PublicationRestrictedGas hazard assessment at the Monticchio Mt. Vulture, a volcano in Southern Italy(2009)
; ; ; ; ; ;Caracausi, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Nuccio, P. M.; Dipartimento Chimica e Fisica della Terra e Applicazioni, Universita` di Palermo, Via Archirafi 36, 90100, Palermo, Italy ;Favara, R.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Nicolosi, M.; Dipartimento Chimica e Fisica della Terra e Applicazioni, Universita` di Palermo, Via Archirafi 36, 90100, Palermo, Italy ;Paternoster, M.; Dipartimento Scienze Geologiche, Universita` della Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy; ; ; ; Geochemical investigations have shown that there is a considerable inflow of gas into both crater lakes of Monticchio, Southern Italy. These lakes are located in two maars that formed 140 000 years ago during Mt. Vulture volcano s last eruptive activity. Isotopic analyses suggest that CO2 and helium are of magmatic origin; the latter displays 3He ⁄ 4He isotope ratios similar to those measured in olivines of the maar ejecta. In spite of the fact that the amount of dissolved gases in the water is less than that found in Lake Nyos (Cameroon), both the results obtained and the historical reports studied indicate that these crater lakes could be highly hazardous sites, even though they are located in a region currently considered inactive. This could be of special significance in very popular tourist areas such as the Monticchio lakes, which are visited by about 30 000 people throughout the summer, for the most part on Sundays.264 26 - PublicationRestrictedActive geodynamics of the central Mediterranean Sea: Tensional tectonic evidences in western Sicily from mantle-derived helium(2005)
; ; ; ; ; ; ;Caracausi, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Favara, R.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Italiano, F.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Nuccio, P. M.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Paonita, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Rizzo, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; ; ; ; ; We report results on the measured high 3He/4He isotope ratio in western Sicily, interpreted together with the heat data. The study of this sector of the Europe-Africa interaction is crucial to a better understanding of the tectonics and the geodynamical evolution of the central Mediterranean area. The estimated mantle-derived helium fluxes in the investigated areas are up to 2–3 orders of magnitude greater than those of a stable continental area. The highest flux, found in the southernmost area near the Sicily Channel, where recent eruptions of the Ferdinandea Island occurred 20 miles out to sea off Sciacca, has been associated with a clear excess of heat flow. Our results indicate that there is an accumulation of magma below the continental crust of western Sicily that is possibly intruding and out-gassing through roughly N-S trending deep fault systems linked to the mantle, that have an extensional component. Although the identification of these faults is not sufficiently constrained by our data, they could possibly be linked to the pre-existing faults that originated during the Mesozoic extensional-transtensional tectonic phases.447 133 - PublicationOpen AccessRelationship between soil CO2 flux and tectonic structures in SW Sicily(2020)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; The identification and characterization of seismogenic structures in southwestern Sicily is an open debate both for the geological-structural complexity of this sector and the scarce seismicity as well. In addition, clear morphological evidence of tectonic structures is limited. Besides the geophysical methods, the study of the spatial distribution of soil CO2 flux is a valid methodology to investigate the position and geometry of buried active faults. Indeed, active tectonic structures are channels with high permeability through which deep fluids can migrate toward the atmosphere. Therefore, the alignment of high degassing areas can reveal the presence of preferential ways of rising fluids (i.e. faults). We applied this methodology in SW Sicily in the surrounding of the area hit by the 1968 seismic sequence and in three other areas where evidence of active deformation has been recognized. Furthermore, to investigate the origin of emitted fluids, we measured the carbon isotopic composition of the soil CO2 in some high emission sites. The results showed high spatial variability of soil CO2 fluxes with values ranging from 1 to 430 g m−2d−1. The areal patterns of soil CO2 fluxes in all the areas reveal a strong influence of the main tectonic structures and active deformations on soil CO2 emissions. The range of isotopic data and the distribution of soil CO2 fluxes suggest a supply of deep fluids through the active tectonic structures.922 81 - PublicationOpen AccessApplication of Geostatistical Tools to the Geochemical Characterization of the Peloritani Mts (Sicily, Italy) Aquifers(2021)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; Sources of groundwater contaminants in inhabited areas, located in complex geo-tectonic contexts, are often deeply interlocked, thus, making the discrimination between anthropic and natural origins difficult. In this study, we investigate the Peloritani Mountain aquifers (Sicily, Italy), using the combination of probability plots with concentration contour maps to retrieve an overall view of the groundwater geo-chemistry with a special focus on the flux of heavy metals. In particular, we present a methodology for integrating spatial data with very different levels of precision, acquired before and during the “geomatic era”. Our results depict a complex geochemical layout driven by a geo-puzzle of rocks with very different lithological natures, hydraulically connected by a dense tectonic network that is also responsible for the mixing of deep hydrothermal fluids with the meteoric recharge. Moreover, a double source, geogenic or anthropogenic, was individuated for many chemicals delivered to groundwater bodies. The concentration contour maps, based on the different data groups identified by the probability plots, fit the coherency and congruency criteria with the distribution of both rock matrices and anthropogenic sources for chemicals, indicating the success of our geostatistical approach.130 20 - PublicationOpen AccessChemical and isotopic signature of groundwater in the Santa Ninfa karst system and possible inferences on neotectonics(2020)
; ; ; ; ; The Santa Ninfa karst system is an area strongly controlled by tectonics, whose intense fracturing gave rise to the formation of a large number of cavities that foster the drainage of water. The hydrogeochemical characters of groundwater circulating in this aquifer, together with its isotopic signature, were investigated in detail. The chemistry of groundwater reflects the nature of the rocks hosting the aquifers, constituted by primary and diagenetic selenitic gypsum, salts, and gypsum-arenite, whose dissolution is responsible of the geochemical fingerprint of the quasi-totality of the samples. A single site (CAM) is characterised by a different chemical composition, indicating a mixing between Ca-sulphate, Ca-bicarbonate and a NaCl-rich water. From the chemical point of view, no evidence of interaction between shallow groundwater and deep fluids has been detected. Conversely, isotopic fluctuations highlight mixing processes between surficial (evaporated) runoff and groundwater. Different mixing proportion among these endmembers can be reflected in variations of the chemical character of the sampled springs. Changes in mixing proportions can be the effect of differential permeability variations, in turn produced by local stress field changes during seismogenic processes. In this scenario the geochemical monitoring of the Santa Ninfa karst aquifer could be of relevant interest in the study of seismogenic processes in this area, with particular reference to the relationship between seismic and geochemical transients.198 20