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Chemical Characters of the Gaseous Phase in Different Stages of Volcanism: Precursors and Volcanic Activity

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Monitoring and Mitigation of Volcano Hazards

Abstract

Seismic and other geophysical precursors to possible eruptive activity may yield different patterns depending on the structures of volcanic systems, physicochemical properties of magma, and tectonic setting. In contrast geochemical precursory activity mostly depends on changing rates of magma degassing and interactions between volcanic emanations and shallow aquifers. Volcanic-gas studies at selected volcanoes during “crises” in recent decades (e.g. Momotombo, Nevado del Ruiz, Tacaná, Poás, Phlegrean Fields, and Vulcano) suggest that the transition from quiescent to eruptive stage generally involves perturbation of equilibrium conditions. Such disequilibrium is indicated by discrepancies between observed and apparent gas-equilibrium temperatures, which in turn reflect the extent of quenching related to reactions between magmatic gases and groundwater, producing vaporization and attendant pressure buildup. The greater the extent of quenching, the higher the buildup pressure, and eruptive activity can be triggered if the pressure exceeds confining pressure. Because chemical disequilibrium represents a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for possible eruptive activity, it is important to conduct systematic monitoring of fumarolic gases, to permit the early detection of departure from equilibrium and the estimation of probability of renewed activity.

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  1. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Firenze, Italy

    M. Martini

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© 1996 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Martini, M. (1996). Chemical Characters of the Gaseous Phase in Different Stages of Volcanism: Precursors and Volcanic Activity. In: Monitoring and Mitigation of Volcano Hazards. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-80087-0_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-80087-0_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-80089-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-80087-0

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