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Morici, Sabina
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Morici, Sabina
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sabina.morici@ingv.it
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- PublicationRestrictedGeochemical evidence of the renewal of volcanic activity inferred from CO2 soil and SO2 plume fluxes: the 2007 Stromboli eruption (Italy)(2011-05-17)
; ; ; ; ; ; ;Inguaggiato, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Vita, F.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Rouwet, D.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Bobrowski, N.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Morici, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Sollami, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; ; ; ; ; On 27 February 2007, a new eruption occurred on Stromboli which lasted until 2 April. It was characterized by effusive activity on the Sciara del Fuoco and by a paroxysmal event (15 March). This crisis represented an opportunity for us to refine the model that had been developed previously (2002–2003 eruption) and to improve our understanding of the relationship between the magmatic dynamics of the volcano and the geochemical variations in the fluids. In particular, the evaluation of the dynamic equilibrium between the volatiles (CO2 and SO2) released from the magma and the corresponding fluids discharged from the summit area allowed us to evaluate the level of criticality of the volcanic activity. One of the major accomplishments of this study is a 4-year database of summit soil CO2 flux on the basis of which we define the thresholds (low–medium–high) for this parameter that are empirically based on the natural volcanological evolution of Stromboli. The SO2 fluxes of the degassing plume and the CO2 fluxes emitted from the soil at Pizzo Sopra la Fossa are also presented. It is noteworthy that geochemical signals of volcanic unrest have been clearly identified before, during and after the effusive activity. These signals were found almost simultaneously in the degassing plume (SO2 flux) and in soil degassing (CO2 flux) at the summit, although the two degassing processes are shown to be clearly different. The interpretation of the results will be useful for future volcanic surveillance at Stromboli.389 50 - PublicationOpen AccessDissolved CO2 in natural waters: development of an automated monitoring system and first application to Stromboli volcano (Italy)(2011-06)
; ; ; ; ; ;Inguaggiato, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Calderone, L.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Inguaggiato, C.; Università degli Studi di Palermo, Facoltà di Scienze Matematiche, Fisiche e Naturali, Palermo, Italy ;Morici, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Vita, F.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; ; ; ; The study of geochemical parameters applied to natural systems has provided improved knowledge of geochemical mechanisms of gas/rock dissolution in natural waters that are linked to gas–water and/or water– rock interaction processes. Here we present the results of our studies focused on the development of an automated monitoring system for measuring the amount of dissolved CO2 in natural waters. The system is based on the principle of a dynamic equilibrium between water and the air as the host gas. The PCO2 measurements were carried out every four hours, and the equilibration time was around 20 minutes. Moreover, application to the thermal aquifer of Stromboli volcano during the 2009-2010 period is shown and analyzed. The data highlight a clear correlation between the changes in the PCO2 in the thermal aquifer and the changes in volcanic activity.413 183 - PublicationOpen AccessHydrogeochemical characterization of the alluvial aquifer of Catania Plain, Sicily (South Italy)(2023)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; A hydrogeochemical study was carried out on the shallow Catania Plain alluvial aquifer, in eastern Sicily to reconstruct its hydrogeological structure, the meteoric recharge and to assess the infuence of human activities on groundwater. To characterize the geochemistry of the shallow aquifer, two sampling campaigns were carried out, August–October 2004 and April–May 2005 in 47 sites distributed throughout the plain. The samples were collected and analyzed for physical–chemical parameters and major ions, as well as stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2 H). Alluvial deposits with heterogeneous grain sizes constitute the aquifer. Varying conditions of vertical and horizontal permeability lead to the presence of a multilayered aquifer with diferent conditions of confnement and partial interconnection among layers. The sampled waters were separated into four groups of diferent compositions due to the water–rock interaction with the diferent lithologies present in and around the study area. Maps of electrical conductivity and sulfate show a systematic control of land use, in correspondence with the biggest farms. High sulfate concentration is due to both the natural interaction between local meteoric waters and Etna’s plume and the mixing with groundwater coming from the area where evaporitic rocks of the Gessoso Solffera formation are present. In addition, anthropogenic contamination cannot be ruled out. A rain gauge network, consisting of 3 sites located at diferent altitudes, was installed to collect rain waters to determine isotopic data (δ2 H and δ18O) and to measure the monthly rainfall amount. Based on the isotopic composition of sampled waters, it has been established that beyond the direct meteoric recharge, the recharging areas are in the North (Mt. Etna) and the South (Hyblean Plateau).148 11 - PublicationRestrictedStromboli volcanic activity variations inferred from observations of fluid geochemistry: 16 years of continuous monitoring of soil CO 2 fluxes (2000–2015)(2017-02-03)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;; ; ; Stromboli volcano is characterized by a persistent strombolian activity thatwas interrupted by effusive eruptions in 1985, 2002–2003, 2007, and 2014. The considerable amount of soil CO2 flux data acquired by the continuous geochemical network installed in the summit and peripheral areas of Stromboli Island have allowed us to thoroughly investigate and to model the plumbing system. This study analyzed 16 years of soil CO2 fluxes from the summit area, which showed a wide range of values (from 2000 to 85,000 g m−2 day−1). A set of discontinuous pCO2 data (ranging from 0.1 to 0.35 atm) from a dedicated thermal well (COA) drilled in the Stromboli village has been taken into account for the peripheral degassing evaluation. One of the major accomplishments of this study is the confirmation of the previous formulated geochemical model based on of the soil CO2 fluxes database and the recent effusive eruptions. The analysis of soil summit degassing data recorded at the summit STR02 station throughout the monitoring period (2000–2015) revealed that the log(CO2 flux) values conformed to a polimodal distribution with different mean values of CO2 fluxes being recorded for each sub-period during the different effusive eruptions. The three selected periods (2000–2004, 2005–2010, and 2011–2015) were characterized by considerable increases in soil CO2 degassing coinciding with the periods of effusive eruptions, indicating volatiles overpressure and disequilibrium of the volcanic system. Moreover, the CO2 output evaluations based on soil CO2 fluxes and pCO2 values of thermal waters (COA), have showed a long increasing trend both in the summit and peripheral areas. From 2007 to 2014, culminating in the last effusive eruption (August–November 2014).408 100 - PublicationRestrictedEffect of solid waste landfill organic pollutants on groundwater in three areas of Sicily (Italy) characterized by different vulnerability(2017-06-01)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;; ; ; ;; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;The aim of this study was to obtain information on the presence and levels of hazardous organic pollutants in groundwater located close to solid waste landfills. Eighty-two environmental contaminants, including 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 20 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 29 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 7 dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, PCDDs) and 10 furans (polychlorinated dibenzofurans, PCDFs) were monitored in areas characterised by different geological environments surrounding three municipal solid waste landfills (Palermo, Siculiana and Ragusa) in Sicily (Italy) in three sampling campaigns. The total concentrations of the 16 PAHs were always below the legal threshold. Overall, the Fl/Fl + Py diagnostic ratio revealed that PAHs had a petrogenic origin. VOC levels, except for two notable exceptions near Palermo landfill, were always below the legal limit. As concerns PCB levels, several samples were found positive with levels exceeding the legal limits. It is worth noting that the % PCB distribution differs from that of commercial compositions. In parallel, some samples of groundwater containing PCDDs and PCDFs exceeding the legal threshold were also found. Among the 17 congeners monitored, the most abundant were the highest molecular weight ones.794 9 - PublicationOpen AccessCO2 degassing system of Stromboli volcano inferred by summit, peripheral and hydrothermal continuous measurements.(2009-12-14)
; ; ; ; ;Inguaggiato, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Rouwet, D.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Vita, F.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Morici, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; ; ; Stromboli is an open conduct volcano characterized by “Strombolian” activity. This activity is the result of a “delicate” dynamic equilibrium between continuous refilling of deep volatiles exsolved from the magma batch and superficial degassing. The volatiles, reaching the surface, interact with superficial fluids modifying peripheral and summit degassing processes. In particular, the main peripheral manifestations are represented by dissolved volatiles in the basal hydrothermal aquifer, as well as structurally controlled soil degassing at the lower parts of the volcanic edifice. Summit degassing is manifested by active (explosions from the conduct) and passive degassing (plume degassing from the conduct and diffuse soil degassing). During “normal” Strombolian activity this dynamic equilibrium allows the discharge of the volatiles in the atmosphere arriving from the depth. When the deep volatile flux increases, we observe that the system reacts by first increasing the diffuse volatile discharge from the superficial system. In fact, the result is the increase of Strombolian activity (frequency and energy of explosions due to the increase of the total volatiles pressure) and the increase of the total dissolved volatiles in the hydrothermal aquifer and soils anomalous flux. During overpressure of the plumbing system paroxistic activity is necessary to maintain the dynamic pressure equilibrium, allows to maintain the dynamic equilibrium between deep and superficial volatiles. In fact, through the opening of new fractures and consecutive lava flow or by major explosions and paroxysms the system decreases the total pressure of volatiles and restores the dynamic equilibrium of the Stromboli plumbing system. On the basis of the experiences acquired during the last two eruptions (2002-2003 and 2007) we improved our geochemical monitoring network by installing new equipments for monitoring, continuously, selected fluid manifestations located on the peripheral areas. In particular, we installed two automatic equipments for measuring dissolved CO2 in the thermal wells located in the N-E side of Stromboli (Stromboli village). In this way we covered wider area of fluid degassing of Stromboli volcano to better understand the relationships between the degassing regimes of the summit and basal hydrothermal systems.181 188 - PublicationOpen AccessHydrogeologic and geochemical survey of aquifers based on chemical and isotopic characterisation of groundwater and rain waters: a case study in the Sisseb el Alem Basin (central-east Tunisia)(2019)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; Chemical and isotopic composition of groundwaters and rain waters in the Sisseb el Alem basin (Tunisia) was monitored to obtain a hydrologic and geochemical characterization of the aquifers. The studied aquifers are the only water resource for domestic and irrigation use in the basin. Two aquifers have been identified by hydrogeologic data, one, shallower, flowing in Plio-Quaternary sediments, the other, deeper, in Miocenic–Oligocenic sediments. Although this area is intensively farmed with widespread fertiliser use and settlements are unsewered, groundwater in the area is relatively uncontaminated by land-use activities. The chemical and isotopic compositions of the sampled waters, which have a meteoric origin, are largely controlled by both the geological signatures of their drainage area and by evaporative processes and water–rock interaction (reverse cationic exchange) phenomena. Geochemical data suggest, on the basis of the Na/Cl, Cl/SO4 ratios and concentrations of Li, Sr, and Mn, that a hydraulic connection exists between two distinctive aquifers. One strongly influenced by Lake Saadine water characterised by Na/Cl > 1, high Cl/SO4 and Li, Sr, and Mn > 0.1 meq/l, the other, deeper, characterised by Na/Cl < 1, low and near constant Cl/SO4 and Li, Sr, and Mn < 0.1 meq/l. Despite relatively high salinity and SAR values, all sampled waters are suitable for irrigation in well-draining soils. The isotopic composition of the rain waters highlights the importance of evaporation in controlling the composition of the groundwater.187 64 - PublicationRestrictedGroundwater of Sicily (Italy) Close to Landfill Sites: Quality and Human Health Risk Assessment(2021-05-30)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;; ; ;Groundwater close to three municipal solid waste landfll sites in Sicily (southern Italy) was sampled to determine the presence of contaminants and the risk associated with its possible use as drinking and sanitary water. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and metals were investigated. These target compounds are the most common pollutants present in leachates. Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS, US EPA) was used to assess human health risk. Ingestion, dermal, and total exposure to these xenobiotic contaminants in groundwater were evaluated, and the cancer and non-cancer risk indexes were calculated. The results revealed that, while the groundwater complied with Italian Drinking Water Directive 30/2001, it did not comply with the "good environmental state" criteria of Directive 30/2009 at two of the three sites investigated. Worrying results were revealed by the risk assessment at the investigated sites. Cancer and non-cancer risk indexes indicated a probable risk, mainly due to dermal exposure to groundwater. These results underline the importance of assessing the risk for all possible routes, evaluating not only ingestion but also dermal exposure, especially when organic pollutants are present. The results of this study show that human health risk has probably been underestimated in the past, as dermal exposure to organic pollutants has only rarely been evaluated in the literature.149 196 - PublicationOpen AccessGeochemical evidence of the renewal of volcanic activity: the 2007 Stromboli (Italy) eruption(2008-12-15)
; ; ; ; ; ; ;Inguaggiato, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Vita, F.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Bobrowski, N.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Rouwet, D.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Sollami, A.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia ;Morici, S.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Palermo, Palermo, Italia; ; ; ; ; Geochemical surveillance has been carried out at Stromboli since 1999 using discrete and continuous monitoring of thermal waters and soil degassing. On 27 February 2007 a new eruption began which lasted until 2 April; it was characterized by effusive activity on the Sciara del Fuoco and also by a paroxistic event (15 March). This crisis represented an opportunity to refine the model developed previously and to improve our understanding of the relationship between the magmatic dynamics of the volcano and geochemical variations. The main aim of this research was to evaluate the level of criticality of the volcanic activity. The SO2 fluxes of the degassing plume and the CO2 fluxes emitted from the soil at Pizzo Sopra la Fossa are herein presented. Furthermore, we propose a refined geochemical model of fluids circulation, including plume and summit fumarolic soil degassing. Noteworthy geochemical signals of volcanic unrest were also clearly identified (before, during and after the effusive activity) in the degassing plume as well as in the degassing from the soil at the summit.209 78 - PublicationRestrictedChanges in heat released by hydrothermal circulation monitored during an eruptive cycle at Mt. Etna (Italy)(2018-01-24)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; The shallow vertical temperature profile has been measured in the proximity of an eruptive fissure far about 4 km north-northeast from Mt. Etna central craters. The monitoring site was a steam-heated soil lying between a group of flank fractures on the upper northeast flank of Mt. Etna (Italy), i.e., on the northeast rift. We chose this area because it was close to an eruptive fissure, that opened in 2002 and extended from about 2500 to about 1500 m a.s.l., with our aim being to determine a connection between this fracture system and the ongoing volcanic activity. Heat flux anomalies from the ground from September 2009 to September 2012 were evaluated. Changes in the hydrothermal release—which can be related to variations in volcanic activity—are discussed and compared to the published geophysical data. The heat flux ranges varied during the pre-eruptive (from about 7 to 38 W×m−2), syn-eruptive (from about 3 to 49W×m−2), and post-eruptive phases, with the heat released being lowest at the latter phase (from about 1 to 20 W×m−2). Moreover, the heat flux time variation was strongly correlated with the eruption rate from the new southeast crater between January 2011 and April 2012. The migration of magma through active conduits acts as a changing heating source for steam-heated soils located above the active fractures. Our findings suggest that tracking the heat flux above active fractures constitutes a useful investigation field for low-cost thermal monitoring of volcanic activity. Time variations in their emissions could highlight the relationship between a hydrothermal circuit and the local network of fractures, possibly indicating variation in the structural weakness of a volcanic edifice. Continuous monitoring of heat flux, combined with a realistic model, would contribute to multidisciplinary investigations aimed at evaluating changes in volcano dynamics.623 14