Relationships between diffuse CO2 emissions and volcanic activity on the island of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) during the period 1984–1994

Measurements of CO2 flux from the ground were periodically carried out on the island of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) between 1984 and 1994. Three high-flux areas were identified at the foot of the volcanic cone (La Fossa), either inside or very close to the main village. Effect of the choice of the sampling grid was evaluated. A different sampling grid resulted in similar distribution patterns, but with different CO2 fluxes. Therefore, the absolute estimate of the total flux from the investigated area includes a large degree of uncertainty, but repeated measurements with permanent sampling sites are accurate and can detect small changes. No correlation of the flux with atmospheric parameters was found at sites with high fluxes. Some periods characterized by high CO2 fluxes were observed, and a close correlation was found between the gas emissions from the ground and other geochemical and geophysical parameters such as temperature, chemical composition, steam, and SO2 flux from fumaroles, seismic energy release, and ground deformations. The results show that major temporal variations of diffuse CO2 flux are related to variations in volcanic activity.