Evolution of fumarolic gases — boundary conditions set by measured parameters: case study at Vulcano, Italy

Abstract

Physical, chemical and isotopic parameters were measured in fumaroles at the Vulcano crater and in drowned fumaroles near the beach. The data were used to define boundary conditions for possible conceptual models of the system.Crater fumaroles: time variations of CO₂ and SO₂ concentrations indicate mixing of saline gas-rich water with local fresh water. Cl/Br ratios of 300– 400 favour sea-water as a major source for Cl, Brand part of the water in the fumaroles. Cl concentrations and δD values revealed, independently, amixing of 0.75 sea-water with 0.25 local freshwaterin furmarole F-5 during September 1982.Patterns of parameter correlation and mass balances reveal that CO₂, S, NH₃ and B originate from sources other than sea water. The CO₂ value of δ¹³C = − 2%_o favours, at least partial, origin from decomposition of sedimentary rocks rather than mantle-derived material. Radiogenic⁴He(1.3 × lO⁻³ ccSTP/g water) and radiogenic⁴⁰Ar(10.6 × 10⁻⁴ ccSTP/g water) are observed, (⁴He/⁴⁰Ar)_radiogenic = 1.2, well in the range of values observed in geothermal systems.Drowned fumaroles: strongly bubbling gas at a pond and at the beachappears to have the same origin and initial compositionas the crater fumaroles (2 km away). The fumarolic gas is modified by depletion of the reactive gases, caused by dissolution in shallow-water. Atmospheric Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe are addeden route, some radiogenic He and Ar are maintained. The Vulcano system seems to be strongly influenced by the contribution of sea-water and decomposition of sedimentary rocks. Evidence of magmatic contributions is mainly derived from heat.