3D subsoil reconstruction of a mud volcano in central Sicily by means of geophysical surveys

Abstract

The upwelling of fluids, subject to overpressure, along with discontinuities in the subsoil, causes the formation of geological structures known as mud volcanoes. These structures, very widespread in the world and in some cases located near inhabited centers, can represent a considerable risk factor for the population, as they can give rise to paroxysmal eruptions, even very violent. The assessment of the characteristics and structure of the subsoil of the areas affected by this phenomenon can prove to be a useful tool for risk mitigation. Non-invasive geophysical surveys were carried out in the area of the active cone of the Santa Barbara mud volcano in order to obtain a 3D characterization of the subsoil. Through the processing and integration of data derived from active and passive seismic surveys was obtained, a 3D model showing the seismostratigraphic subsoil structure. The electrical resistivity tomography surveys provided results comparable to those obtained from seismic surveys and supplied information on the perimetral areas of the mud volcano. The information obtained is useful to study the boundary conditions that influence short-scale activity. Furthermore, this study seeks to evaluate the possibility of using the proposed methodological approach for monitoring the variations that occur over time in the areas affected by mud volcanoes phenomenon.