Abstract
By the use of the CO 2, CH 4, H 2 and CO contents of geothermal gas discharges, the CO 2 partial pressure in the gas equilibration zone can be calculated. Assuming that the partial pressures of water at any temperature are fixed by the presence of liquid water, then the following function, which is nearly independent of temperature, linking CO 2 partial pressure to the ratio X H 2 / X C O is obtained: log P C O 2 = 3.573 − 46 / T ( K ) − log X H 2 / X C O Assuming a hydrostatic model, geothermal gradients for five high enthalpy and two medium to low enthalpy Italian geothermal areas have been estimated. High enthalpy systems can be clearly distinguished from those of low to medium enthalpy. Finally, accurate determinations of the H 2/CO ratio in fluids discharged by selected fumaroles in volcanic areas can provide a method of monitoring pressure conditions in geothermal aquifers. This fact is particularly useful when the risk of a phreatic explosion in a volcanic area is to be assessed.
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