Italy is a region characterized by intense and widespread processes of Earth degassing. High- temperature gases are released by crater plumes and fumaroles in volcanic environments throughout Italy. Also prevalent are numerous low-temperature gas emissions rich in carbon dioxide (CO2). These low-temperature emissions are located in a large area, mainly in the western sector of central and southern Italy (Figure 1). The origin of this degassing is still a debated matter. According to Chiodini et al. [2004], the most probable source of emissions is the degassing of a mantle anomalously rich in fluids because of contamination by crustal material. Low- temperature gas emissions occur from different types of manifestations such as vents, diffuse soil degassing, mud volcanoes, and CO2- rich groundwaters. Many gas emissions have occasionally caused animal and human fatalities and have permanently damaged ecosystems and plant life, making environments inhospitable. The study of Earth degassing and the mitigation of the gas hazard in Italy were the objectives of a national project (INGV- DPC V5; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia Dipartimento della Protezione Civile) involving about 50 Italian researchers during 2005–2007. One of the project’s main purposes was the realization of a Web- based catalog of Earth degassing sites in Italy.
A New Web-Based Catalog of Earth Degassing Sites in Italy
CARDELLINI, Carlo;FRIGERI, ALESSANDRO
2008
Abstract
Italy is a region characterized by intense and widespread processes of Earth degassing. High- temperature gases are released by crater plumes and fumaroles in volcanic environments throughout Italy. Also prevalent are numerous low-temperature gas emissions rich in carbon dioxide (CO2). These low-temperature emissions are located in a large area, mainly in the western sector of central and southern Italy (Figure 1). The origin of this degassing is still a debated matter. According to Chiodini et al. [2004], the most probable source of emissions is the degassing of a mantle anomalously rich in fluids because of contamination by crustal material. Low- temperature gas emissions occur from different types of manifestations such as vents, diffuse soil degassing, mud volcanoes, and CO2- rich groundwaters. Many gas emissions have occasionally caused animal and human fatalities and have permanently damaged ecosystems and plant life, making environments inhospitable. The study of Earth degassing and the mitigation of the gas hazard in Italy were the objectives of a national project (INGV- DPC V5; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia Dipartimento della Protezione Civile) involving about 50 Italian researchers during 2005–2007. One of the project’s main purposes was the realization of a Web- based catalog of Earth degassing sites in Italy.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
