Change in magma supply dynamics identified in observations of soil CO2 emissions in the summit area of Mt. Etna

Abstract

We report the results of 16 months of continuous measurements of soil CO2 flux at a fumarole field in the summit area of Mt. Etna. The patterns of soil CO2 emissions suggest two contrasting degassing regimes. During the period of observation, volcanic activity at the summit craters displayed striking extremes, ranging from passive to explosive degassing, which culminated in lava fountains. These changes in activity coincided with fluctuation between the two degassing patterns. Building on the findings of previous studies, we propose an interpretative framework that explains the observed correlation in terms of a modification of the dynamics of magma supply. We argue that periods of higher CO2 flux are associated with deep open system degassing conditions, whereas low-level CO2 flux signals closed system degassing and less efficient discharge of deeply exsolved gas. An important implication of our study is that, in relation to the two degassing regimes, two types of activity are expected at the summit craters. Thus, our measurements represent a valuable tool for the evaluation of the evolution of volcanic activity.