Mud volcanoes in onshore Sicily: a short overview

Abstract

A short overview on Sicilian mud volcanoes is given. A total of 8 sites are presently known and studied in Sicily, mainly located in central–southern Sicily (Caltanissetta basin). All of these are of small dimension and sometimes associated to water pools. Methane is the main emitted gaseous phase, with the exception of the Paternò site, dominated by CO2 due to its proximity to Mt. Etna. Emitted waters are of the chloride–sulphate–alkaline type, due to the dominance of NaCl as the main dissolved salt. Sicilian mud volcanoes represent a potential threat for humans but, at the same time, they are threatened by anthropic activities. The main risks are related to the damages produced by paroxysmal events, while their survival is threatened by illegal discharge of wastes, consumption of rural land and agricultural activities.