The sulfur flow fields of the Fossa di Vulcano

Abstract

Sulfur flow deposits at the Fossa di Vulcano fumarole field (Italy) are dominated by thermal erosion features. These are characteristic of sulfur flows at this location, where most flows are emplaced in a combusting mode such that all flow sulfur is melted and consumed during the emplacement event. Further, thermal erosion during emplacement results in pits and channels that mark the passage of the combusting flow. These thermal erosion pits and channels are typically littered with non-combusted silicate blocks, show overhanging rims and an absence of sulfur. If activity remains confined to a source fumarole basin, then sulfur lake activity will result. Combustion of such a feature leaves thermally eroded pits, typically a few tens of centimeters to a few meters wide and long, and a few tens of centimeters deep. However, the increase in sulfur volume during melting and erosion of pit walls mean that overflow and breaching is common. This leads to capture of new sulfur encrusted fumarole basins and flow extension. Flow extension away from the lake results in thermal erosion channels as much as 1.7 m wide, 0.6 m deep and 23.5 m long. Flow direction is dictated by slope, cinder ejection and sources of new sulfur, thus flows are capable of moving down, across and/or up slope if that is the dominant source of new sulfur. We estimate that sulfur flow activity has combusted 2,000–5,000 m3, or 4,000–10,000 tons, of sulfur at Vulcano. Only one noncombusted unit could be found during seven fumarole-fieldwide surveys during 1998–2003; this was 7.3 m long and 0.3 m wide, and had a viscosity of 0.1–40 Pa s. This viscosity is consistent with emplacement temperatures of 165–180°C, which are lower than sulfur’s combustion temperature. At Vulcano the commonality of thermal erosion features over noncombusted sulfur flow units indicates that combusting emplacement has been the main mode of flow emplacement at this volcano. The common occurrence of combustion is also evident from reference to the same phenomenon by Deodat de Dolomieu in 1783.