Hydrothermal pressure-temperature control on CO2 emissions and seismicity at Campi Flegrei (Italy)
Abstract
Fluids supplied by stored magma at depth are causal factors of volcanic unrest, as they can cause pressurization/heating of hydrothermal systems. However, evidence for links between hydrothermal pressurization, CO2 emission and volcano seismicity have remained elusive. Here, we use recent (2010−2020) observations at Campi Flegrei caldera (CFc) to show hydrothermal pressure, gas emission and seismicity at CFc share common source areas and well-matching temporal evolutions. We interpret the recent escalation in seismicity and surface gas emissions as caused by pressure-temperature increase at the top of a vertically elongated (0.3–2 km deep) gas front. Using mass (steam) balance considerations, we show hydrothermal pressurization is causing energy transfer from the fluids to the host rocks, ultimately triggering low magnitude earthquakes within a seismogenetic volume containing the hydrothermal system. This mechanism is probably common to other worldwide calderas in similar hydrothermal activity state. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000478380Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal ResearchVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
ElsevierSubject
Volcanic unrest; Hydrothermal systems; Campi Flegrei; Fumarole compositions; CO2 emission; Volcano seismicityMore
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