Magma-ascent processes during 2005–2009 at Mt Etna inferred by soil CO2 emissions in peripheral areas of the volcano

In this paper, we report four years of soil CO2 emission data measured monthly at 130 sites in two peripheral areas of Mt Etna Volcano that are well known for their high discharge rates of volcanic gas. We remove the influence of atmospheric parameters, and by means of statistical analyses, we (i) demonstrate that variations in CO2 emissions are due mainly to CO2 of a deep origin and (ii) quantify the total amounts of CO2 derived from a deep magma source. Periods of anomalous deep degassing are identified in both areas. A comparison of the timing of these anomalies and geophysical data indicates that the periods of anomalous degassing can be mostly ascribed to intrusions of fresh magma into the Etna plumbing system, which is in agreement with many previous works. Based on the existing literature, we formulate an interpretative framework of magma migration within the plumbing system, consistent with temporal trends in the observed anomalies. Finally, we reconstruct the processes of recent magma ascent at Mt Etna based on our interpretative framework, published geophysical data, and records of volcanic activity.

► We isolate the contribution of volcanic origin from the measured soil CO2 fluxes.
► We develop a schematic model able to explain temporal variations in soil CO2 flux.
► We demonstrate that soil CO2 fluxes are able to detect magma movement inside the PS.