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Sulphur dioxide, particle and elemental emissions from Mount Etna, Italy during July 1987

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Abstract

Sulphur dioxide emission rates were measured at Mount Etna, Italy during July 1987 while the volcano was undergoing relatively ‘quiet’ activity. The SO2 flux averaged 930 ± 587 (1σ) Mg/d, excluding 19 July when the flux was 3200 ± 1730 (1σ) Mg/d. Rising magma and/or an influx of less degassed magma could explain the increased SO2 flux. The high SO2 flux did not correlate with changes in observed volcanic activity. This suggests that SO2 monitoring may be useful as an indicator of shallow magmatic activity, but not as a predictor of future eruptions of Mount Etna.

Particles emitted from the two active craters, Bocca Nuova and Southeast Crater (SE), were composed of silicates, sulphates and dithionites. Chloride species were only observed in particles from SE. Different eruptive styles probably produced the differences in particle compositions emitted from each crater.

Vapour — magma enrichment factors were calculated for many elements from both craters. Cl, Br and S were the most enriched elements in the sampled fumes. Similar enrichment factors at both craters suggest a common magma supply.

Cl, S and F have the largest elemental fluxes emitted from Mount Etna. During ‘quiet’ activity, the Cl flux represents 27% of the global anthropogenic emissions, but its effect is limited to the local region due to atmospheric removal processes. Mount Etna also exhaled significant amounts of Zn, Br, Mo, F and Cu compared with regional anthropogenic emissions.

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Author notes

  1. R. J. Andres

    Present address: Center for the Management, Utilization and Protection of Water Resources, Earth Sciences Department, Tennessee Technological University, Box 5062, 38505, Cookeville, TN, USA

  2. R. L. Chuan

    Present address: Femtometrics, 1001 W 17th Street, Unit R, 92627, Costa Mesa, CA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geoscince, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 87801, Socorro, NM, USA

    R. J. Andres & P. R. Kyle

  2. Brunswick Corporation, 92626, Costa Mesa, CA, USA

    R. L. Chuan

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  1. R. J. Andres
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  2. P. R. Kyle
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  3. R. L. Chuan
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Andres, R.J., Kyle, P.R. & Chuan, R.L. Sulphur dioxide, particle and elemental emissions from Mount Etna, Italy during July 1987. Geol Rundsch 82, 687–695 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00191496

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