ALBERT

Description: Duvalo “volcano” is a site of anomalous geogenic degassing close to Ohrid (North Macedonia) not related to volcanic activity, despite its name. CO2 flux measurements made with the accumulation chamber (321 sites over ∼50,000 m2) showed fluxes up to nearly 60,000 g m−2 d−1, sustaining a total output of ∼67 t d−1. Soil gas samples were taken at 50 cm depth from sites with high CO2 fluxes and analyzed for their chemical and isotope composition. The gas is mainly composed by CO2 (〉90%) with significant concentrations of H2S (up to 0.55%) and CH4 (up to 0.32%). The isotope compositions of He (R/RA 0.10) and of CO2 (δ13C ∼ 0‰) exclude significant mantle contribution, while δ13C-CH4 (∼−35‰) and δ2H-CH4 (∼−170‰) suggest a thermogenic origin for CH4. The area is characterized by intense seismic activity and Duvalo corresponds to an active tectonic structure bordering the Ohrid graben. The production of H2S within the stratigraphic sequence may be explained by thermochemical reduction of sulfate. The uprising H2S is partially oxidized to sulfuric acid that, reacting with carbonate rocks, releases CO2. The tectonic structure of the area favors fluid circulation, sustaining H2S production and oxidation, CO2 production and allowing the escape of the gases to the atmosphere. In the end, Duvalo represents a tectonic-related CO2 degassing area whose gases originate mostly, if not exclusively, in the shallowest part of the crust (〈10 km). This finding highlights that even systems with trivial mantle contribution may sustain intense CO2 degassing (〉1,000 t km−2 d−1).

Description: Published

Description: e2021GC010198

Description: 6A. Geochimica per l'ambiente e geologia medica

Description: JCR Journal

Description: The late Pleistocene Yedoma Ice Complex is an ice-rich and organic-bearing type of permafrost deposit widely distributed across Beringia and is assumed to be especially prone to deep degradation with warming temperature, which is a potential tipping point of the climate system. To better understand Yedoma formation, its local characteristics, and its regional sedimentological composition, we compiled the grain-size distributions (GSDs) of 771 samples from 23 Yedoma locations across the Arctic; samples from sites located close together were pooled to form 17 study sites. In addition, we studied 160 samples from three non-Yedoma ice-wedge polygon and floodplain sites for the comparison of Yedoma samples with Holocene depositional environments. The multimodal GSDs indicate that a variety of sediment production, transport, and depositional processes were involved in Yedoma formation. To disentangle these processes, a robust endmember modeling analysis (rEMMA) was performed. Nine robust grain-size endmembers (rEMs) characterize Yedoma deposits across Beringia. The study sites of Yedoma deposits were finally classified using cluster analysis. The resulting four clusters consisted of two to five sites that are distributed randomly across northeastern Siberia and Alaska, suggesting that the differences are associated with rather local conditions. In contrast to prior studies suggesting a largely aeolian contribution to Yedoma sedimentation, the wide range of rEMs indicates that aeolian sedimentation processes cannot explain the entire variability found in GSDs of Yedoma deposits. Instead, Yedoma sedimentation is controlled by local conditions such as source rocks and weathering processes, nearby paleotopography, and diverse sediment transport processes. Our findings support the hypothesis of a polygenetic Yedoma origin involving alluvial, fluvial, and niveo-aeolian transport; accumulation in ponding waters; and in situ frost weathering as well as postdepositional processes of solifluction, cryoturbation, and pedogenesis. The characteristic rEM composition of the Yedoma clusters will help to improve how grain-size-dependent parameters in permafrost models and soil carbon budgets are considered. Our results show the characteristic properties of ice-rich Yedoma deposits in the terrestrial Arctic. Characterizing and quantifying site-specific past depositional processes is crucial for elucidating and understanding the trajectories of this unique kind of ice-rich permafrost in a warmer future.

Description: Three devastating earthquakes of MW ≥ 5.9 activated a complex system of high-angle normal, antithetic, and sub-horizontal detachment faults during the 2016–2017 central Italy seismic sequence. Waveform cross-correlation based double-difference location of nearly 400,000 aftershocks illuminate complex, fine-scale structures of interacting fault zones. The Mt. Vettore–Mt. Bove (VB) normal fault exhibits wide and complex damage zones, including a system of bookshelf faults that intersects the detachment zone. In the Laga domain, a comparatively narrow, shallow dipping segment of the deep Mt. Gorzano fault progressively ruptures through the detachment zone in four subsequent MW ∼ 5.4 events. Reconstructed fault planes show that the detachment zone is fragmented in four sub-horizontal, partly overlaying shear planes that correlated with the extent of the mainshock ruptures. We find a new, deep reaching seismic barrier that coincides with a bend in the VB fault and may play a role in controlling rupture evolution.

Description: Published

Description: e2021GL092918

Description: 4T. Sismicità dell'Italia

Description: 5T. Sismologia, geofisica e geologia per l'ingegneria sismica

Description: JCR Journal

Description: Moulin and Benedetti (2018), https://doi.org/10.1029/2018tc00495810.1029/2018tc004958 present a new interpretation of the Neogene-Quaternary tectonic evolution of the Eastern Southern Alps (ESA) in Friuli. After the reinterpretation of literature field data by means of remote sensing analysis (Digital Elevation Model interpretation), they calculated deformation rates of the tectonic structures through age interpretation of geomorphological surfaces of the Veneto-Friuli piedmont plain. The authors linked the result of surface analysis to the thrust and fold architecture of the ESA basing on the Castellarin et al. (2006), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2005.10.013 interpretation of TRANSALP project and the Friuli geological map at the scale 1:150,000 (Carulli, 2006). Discussing their new architecture of the ESA, the Authors finally yielded rates of Europe-Adria plates convergence and suggest fragmentation of Adria over the last 1–2 Ma. The present comment is aimed at discussing several critical points concerning: the use of the geomorphological and chronological data; the misinterpretation of the Digital Terrain Model; the reconstruction of the balanced geological cross section. Moreover, the application of a structural model defined in a certain area to another without considering peculiar structural complexities available in the literature results is geologically and methodologically questionable.

Description: Published

Description: e2019TC005696

Description: 2T. Deformazione crostale attiva

Description: JCR Journal

Description: Tephra fallout hazard assessment is undertaken with probabilistic maps that rely on numerical models. Regarding maps production, the input parameters of the model (including atmospheric conditions), the physical approximations of the numerical simulations, and the probabilities of occurrence of different eruption types in specific time frames are among the most critical sources of uncertainty. We therefore present a tephra fallout hazard assessment study for two active volcanoes (Cotopaxi and Guagua Pichincha) in Ecuador. We utilize PLUME-MoM/HYSPLIT models, and a procedure for uncertainty quantification where: (a) the uncertainty on eruptive source parameters and eruption type occurrence is quantified through expert elicitation; (b) we implement a new procedure for correlations between the different parameters, and (c) we use correction coefficients to take into account the uncertainty of the numerical model. Maps of exceedance probability given a deposit thickness threshold, and thickness maps given a probability of exceedance, are produced (a) for two eruptive scenarios (sub-Plinian and Plinian) and (b) as a combination of these scenarios in case the next eruption will be sub-Plinian or Plinian. These maps are described according to the uncertainty distribution of eruption type occurrence probabilities, considering their 5th percentile, mean, and 95th percentile values. We finally present hazard curves describing exceeding probabilities in 10 sensitive sites within the city of Quito. Additional information includes the areal extent and the population potentially affected by different isolines of tephra accumulation. This work indicates that full uncertainty quantification helps in providing more robust scientific information, improving the hazard assessment reliability.

Description: Published

Description: e2021JB022780

Description: 6V. Pericolosità vulcanica e contributi alla stima del rischio

Description: JCR Journal

Description: Several methods such as paleoseismic trenching, mapping of offset geomorphic markers, and dating of scarp profiles have been used to determine slip rates of normal faults in the central Apennines. Combining measurements obtained with different methods remains challenging because non-tectonic processes can introduce noise or spurious signals that are elusive to quantify, and these influence slip rate estimates. To this end, we meta-analyzed throw measurements with associated ages collected in the central Apennines with several methods to quantify such erratic fluctuations and method-related variances. We show that throw rates are overdispersed with respect to nominal uncertainties in throw and age; therefore, they are commonly affected by unmodeled noise processes. After comparing throw rate distributions sampling the same faults with different techniques, no clear spatiotemporal patterns appear, but only quasi-random noise. Assuming that field investigators sampled real tectonic features (i.e., fault scarps), we find that such erratic throw rates indicate total uncertainties are two to three times greater than the stated observation uncertainties. In this situation, a simple and robust null hypothesis is appropriate. We propose that most faults should be assumed to have uniform throw rate along their traces, except for possible tapering near unconnected ends. We also propose that models in which throw rates are time-dependent (within the last 25 ka) are not yet justified. Then, relying on the estimated total uncertainties, we determine the most probable long-term fault throw rate for each active fault by combining different throw-rate probability density functions.

Description: Published

Description: e2021JB023252

Description: 2T. Deformazione crostale attiva

Description: JCR Journal

Description: The Campi Flegrei caldera is considered the most dangerous volcano in Europe and is currently in a new phase of unrest (started in 2000 and still ongoing) that has persisted intermittently for several decades (main crisis occurred from 1950-52, 70-72 and 82-84). Here, by combining the petrological and geochemical data collected in recent decades with numerical simulations, we place new constraints on the source(s) of the current dynamics of the volcano. In particular, we show that the measured (N2-He-CO2) geochemical changes at the fumaroles of Solfatara hydrothermal site are the result of massive (about 3 km3) magma degassing in the deep portion (≥ 200 MPa, 8 km of depth) of the plumbing system. This degassing mechanism would be able to flood the overlying hydrothermal system with hot gas, thus heating and fracturing the upper crust inducing shallow seismicity and deformation. This implies that the deep magma transfer process (≥8 km) has been decoupled from the source of deformation and seismicity, localized in the first kilometers (0-4 km) of caldera-filling rocks. This information on magma transfer depth can have important implications for defining the best monitoring strategies and for forecasting a future eruption. Finally, this study highlights how petrological and geochemical data allow us to explore the dynamics of the deep portion of the plumbing system and thus trace the occurrence of recharge episodes, in a portion of the ductile lower crust where magma transfer occurs in the absence of earthquakes. Plain Language Summary Calderas are volcanic depressions formed as the ground collapses during huge volcanic eruptions. They often exhibit pronounced unrest, with frequent earthquakes, ground uplift, and considerable heat and mass flux that are monitored by volcanologists for eruption forecasting. However, as this activity is due to the complex interactions among magma and hydrothermal system stored beneath the volcano, it is always difficult to predict the evolution of the unrest towards critical conditions until to eruption. The Campi Flegrei caldera is among the most dangerous volcanos in Europe and is currently in a new phase of unrest that has lasted for several decades, whose nature (magmatic or not magmatic) has remained unclear. Here, we combine petrological and geochemical observations collected in recent decades with numerical simulations to place new constraints on the source of the recent dynamics of the volcano. In particular, we show that new deep magma has recharged the shallow reservoir beneath the volcano and flooded the overlying hydrothermal system with hot gas; thereby weakening the upper rocks allowing deformation (ground uplift) and fracturing (seismicity). This information is particularly important in the case of high-risk Campi Flegrei caldera, because it can help to improve defense strategies in case of future eruption.

Description: Published

Description: e2021JB023773

Description: 4V. Processi pre-eruttivi

Description: JCR Journal

Description: Natural gas microseepage in petroleum-bearing sedimentary basins is an important complement to geophysical methods in oil-gas exploration and a natural source of methane (CH4) for the atmosphere. Microseepage, typically occurring in correspondence with petroleum fields throughout the world, is generally lower in summer, due to temperature-driven methanotrophic consumption, and higher in winter. The global estimates of microseepage methane emission have, however, relatively high uncertainties because of limited amounts of flux data, leading to poor knowledge of the spatial distribution and temporal variability of the gas emission factors. We studied the seasonal variation of microseepage flux to the atmosphere from a petroleum field in China (the Dawanqi oilfield), through methane flux measurements performed in summer 2014, winter 2015, and summer 2019. Winter data refer to frozen soil conditions, with snow cover and ice thickness in the soil exceeding 60 cm. Gas concentration (CH4, CO2, C2+ alkanes) and stable C isotopic composition of CH4 and CO2 in shallow (4 m deep) boreholes confirmed the existence of thermogenic gas seepage. Methane microseepage is higher in summer and lower or nil in winter. This seasonal trend is opposite to what was observed in areas where winter soil is not or poorly frozen. Our data suggest that seasonal microseepage variation may not be univocal worldwide, being strongly dependent on the presence of ice and snow cover in winter. The regional increase of temperature due to climate change, already demonstrated for the Tarim Basin over the last 50 years, could, in the future, reduce winter ice and enhance annual methane emission to the atmosphere.

Description: Published

Description: e2021JD034637

Description: 6A. Geochimica per l'ambiente e geologia medica

Description: JCR Journal

Description: The Val d'Agri basin hosts an oil-field, the largest in onshore Europe, and it is one of the areas of highest seismic hazard in Italy. In an unproductive marginal portion of the reservoir, wastewater is re-injected by a high-rate well. Since the beginning of re-injection in June 2006, a spatio-temporal correlation between microseismicity (ML ≤ 2.0) and wastewater injection has been observed (suggesting induced seismicity). In this study, we perform a slip-tendency analysis on the fault system involved in the induced seismicity through a coupled fluid-flow and geomechanical numerical model simulating the stress partitioning due to the tectonic forces and to the fluid injection. The model results show that the fluid diffusion is strongly dependent on the active stress field and the geological structure in which fluids are injected, which conditioned the occurrence of seismicity that aligned on a small portion of a NE-dipping fault. However, another fault located closer to the injection well and where no seismicity was detected, is the better well-oriented fault with the active stress field and, also, the one more susceptible to the pore pressure increase. These results suggest different types of fault deformation acting in the Val d'Agri oilfield as response to the fluid injection (i.e., a mixed-mode fault slip behavior). Understanding the stress partitioning in tectonically active regions where underground activities such as fluid injection are ongoing is fundamental to give strong constraints for the discrimination between natural and induced seismicity, and finally for a more reliable and robust definition of seismic hazard.

Description: Published

Description: 2019JB019185

Description: 1T. Struttura della Terra

Description: 2T. Deformazione crostale attiva

Description: 6T. Studi di pericolosità sismica e da maremoto

Description: 7T. Variazioni delle caratteristiche crostali e "precursori"

Description: JCR Journal

Description: Identifying deformation and pre-failure mechanisms preceding faulting is key for fault mechanics and for interpreting precursors to fault rupture. This study presents the results of a new and robust derivation of first motion polarity focal mechanism solutions (FMS) applied to acoustic emission (AE). FMS are solved using a least squares minimization of the fit between projected polarity measurements and the deviatoric stress field induced by dilatational (T-type), shearing (S-type), and compressional (C-type) sources. 4 × 10 cm cylindrical samples of Alzo Granite (AG, porosity 〈1%) and Darley Dale Sandstone (DDS, porosity ≈14%) underwent conventional triaxial tests in order to investigate the relationships between increasing confining pressure (5, 10, 20, and 40 MPa), deformation and failure mode, and role of microstructural features. Results highlight that S-type events occur in very low numbers with poor spatial correlation to fault structure. Instead, deformation is driven by a complex interplay between compactant (C-type) and dilatant (T-type) regions of deformation. C-type events are the earliest precursor related to crack nucleation and T-type events mark new cracks opening, with the onset of fracture growth characterized by periodic cycles of coalescence. For AG a single sequence is able to lead to dynamic failure, while for DDS several cycles are needed for coalescence to take place due to the competition between dilatant and compactant deforming regions induced by multiple fracture nucleation sites. The occurrence of C- and S-type events is also consistent with a quasi-static premonitory phase, or foreshock, before a critical nucleation length allows the development of a planar localization.Identifying deformation and pre-failure mechanisms preceding faulting is key for fault mechanics and for interpreting precursors to fault rupture. This study presents the results of a new and robust derivation of first motion polarity focal mechanism solutions (FMS) applied to acoustic emission (AE). FMS are solved using a least squares minimization of the fit between projected polarity measurements and the deviatoric stress field induced by dilatational (T-type), shearing (S-type), and compressional (C-type) sources. 4 × 10 cm cylindrical samples of Alzo Granite (AG, porosity 〈1%) and Darley Dale Sandstone (DDS, porosity ≈14%) underwent conventional triaxial tests in order to investigate the relationships between increasing confining pressure (5, 10, 20, and 40 MPa), deformation and failure mode, and role of microstructural features. Results highlight that S-type events occur in very low numbers with poor spatial correlation to fault structure. Instead, deformation is driven by a complex interplay between compactant (C-type) and dilatant (T-type) regions of deformation. C-type events are the earliest precursor related to crack nucleation and T-type events mark new cracks opening, with the onset of fracture growth characterized by periodic cycles of coalescence. For AG a single sequence is able to lead to dynamic failure, while for DDS several cycles are needed for coalescence to take place due to the competition between dilatant and compactant deforming regions induced by multiple fracture nucleation sites. The occurrence of C- and S-type events is also consistent with a quasi-static premonitory phase, or foreshock, before a critical nucleation length allows the development of a planar localization.

Description: Published

Description: e2020JB021059

Description: 1T. Struttura della Terra

Description: JCR Journal