G – Goldschmidt Abstracts 2013

Abstract

During the last twelve years three GMS2 (Geochemical Monitoring System 2) monitoring stations have been operating in three water wells on Mt. Etna: “Acqua Difesa” and “Currone” (on Etna’s south flank) and “Ilice” (on Etna’s east flank). GMS2 stations every 10 minutes collect a data record composed of an array of chemical-physical parameters measured in groundwater. These data contribute to enrich our knowledge on an active volcanic system such as Mt. Etna, regarding, in particular, the chemical and physical effects of the interaction between up-rising magmatic fluids and shallow aquifers and the detection of possible pre-eruptive signals. So far, a huge quantity of data regarding temperature, conducibility, pH, redox potential, dissolved CO2 and dissolved radon have been acquired. The peculiarity of modular GMS2 acquisition system is that it allows: 1) to operate with great simplicity during maintenance, repair and replacement of elements; 2) to gather remote data through telephone relay using mobile phone structures; 3) to control data directly from INGV Roma offices, to verify their quality and to maintain the station if necessary. GMS2 data are validated by similar, discretely acquired, geochemical data. Examples of GMS2 data are shown.