ISSN:
1437-3262
Keywords:
Mount Etna
;
Volcanic emissions Sulphur dioxide
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract Sulphur dioxide emission rates were measured at Mount Etna, Italy during July 1987 while the volcano was undergoing relatively ‘quiet’ activity. The SO2 flux averaged 930 ± 587 (1σ) Mg/d, excluding 19 July when the flux was 3200 ± 1730 (1σ) Mg/d. Rising magma and/or an influx of less degassed magma could explain the increased SO2 flux. The high SO2 flux did not correlate with changes in observed volcanic activity. This suggests that SO2 monitoring may be useful as an indicator of shallow magmatic activity, but not as a predictor of future eruptions of Mount Etna. Particles emitted from the two active craters, Bocca Nuova and Southeast Crater (SE), were composed of silicates, sulphates and dithionites. Chloride species were only observed in particles from SE. Different eruptive styles probably produced the differences in particle compositions emitted from each crater. Vapour — magma enrichment factors were calculated for many elements from both craters. Cl, Br and S were the most enriched elements in the sampled fumes. Similar enrichment factors at both craters suggest a common magma supply. Cl, S and F have the largest elemental fluxes emitted from Mount Etna. During ‘quiet’ activity, the Cl flux represents 27% of the global anthropogenic emissions, but its effect is limited to the local region due to atmospheric removal processes. Mount Etna also exhaled significant amounts of Zn, Br, Mo, F and Cu compared with regional anthropogenic emissions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00191496
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