New insights into the recent magma dynamics under Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy) from petrological and geochemical evidence

Abstract

The Campi Flegrei caldera is considered the most dangerous volcano in Europe and is currently in a new phase of unrest (started in 2000 and still ongoing) that has persisted intermittently for several decades (main crisis occurred from 1950-52, 70-72 and 82-84). Here, by combining the petrological and geochemical data collected in recent decades with numerical simulations, we place new constraints on the source(s) of the current dynamics of the volcano. In particular, we show that the measured (N2-He-CO2) geochemical changes at the fumaroles of Solfatara hydrothermal site are the result of massive (about 3 km3) magma degassing in the deep portion (≥ 200 MPa, 8 km of depth) of the plumbing system. This degassing mechanism would be able to flood the overlying hydrothermal system with hot gas, thus heating and fracturing the upper crust inducing shallow seismicity and deformation. This implies that the deep magma transfer process (≥8 km) has been decoupled from the source of deformation and seismicity, localized in the first kilometers (0-4 km) of caldera-filling rocks. This information on magma transfer depth can have important implications for defining the best monitoring strategies and for forecasting a future eruption.

Finally, this study highlights how petrological and geochemical data allow us to explore the dynamics of the deep portion of the plumbing system and thus trace the occurrence of recharge episodes, in a portion of the ductile lower crust where magma transfer occurs in the absence of earthquakes.

Plain Language Summary Calderas are volcanic depressions formed as the ground collapses during huge volcanic eruptions. They often exhibit pronounced unrest, with frequent earthquakes, ground uplift, and considerable heat and mass flux that are monitored by volcanologists for eruption forecasting. However, as this activity is due to the complex interactions among magma and hydrothermal system stored beneath the volcano, it is always difficult to predict the evolution of the unrest towards critical conditions until to eruption.

The Campi Flegrei caldera is among the most dangerous volcanos in Europe and is currently in a new phase of unrest that has lasted for several decades, whose nature (magmatic or not magmatic) has remained unclear. Here, we combine petrological and geochemical observations collected in recent decades with numerical simulations to place new constraints on the source of the recent dynamics of the volcano. In particular, we show that new deep magma has recharged the shallow reservoir beneath the volcano and flooded the overlying hydrothermal system with hot gas; thereby weakening the upper rocks allowing deformation (ground uplift) and fracturing (seismicity). This information is particularly important in the case of high-risk Campi Flegrei caldera, because it can help to improve defense strategies in case of future eruption.