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Geochemical Characterization of Groundwater in a Volcanic System

Author

Listed:
  • Carmelo Bellia

    (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Geological Survey of Japan, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8561, Japan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Adrian H. Gallardo

    (Argentina National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), FCFMyN, Department of Geology, San Luis National University, Ejercito de los Andes 950, San Luis 5700, Argentina
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Masaya Yasuhara

    (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Geological Survey of Japan, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8561, Japan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Kohei Kazahaya

    (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Geological Survey of Japan, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8561, Japan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

A geochemical investigation was undertaken at Mt. Etna Volcano to better define groundwater characteristics of its aquifers. Results indicate that the Na–Mg ± Ca–HCO 3 − ± (SO 4 2− or Cl − ) type accounts for more than 80% of the groundwater composition in the volcano. The remaining 20% is characterized by elevated Ca 2+ . Waters along coastal areas are enriched in SO 4 2− or Cl − , mainly due to mixing with seawater and anthropogenic effects. The majority of the samples showed values between −4‰ to −9‰ for δ 18 O and −19‰ to −53‰ for δ 2 H, suggesting that precipitation is the predominant source of recharge to the aquifers, especially in the west of the study area. The analysis of δ 13 C and pCO 2 shows values 1 to 3 times higher than those expected for waters in equilibrium with the atmosphere, suggesting a partial gas contribution from deep sources. The diffusion of gasses is likely to be controlled by tectonic structures in the volcano. The ascent of deep brines is also reflected in the CO 2 enrichment (up to 2.2 bars) and enriched δ 2 H/δ 18 O compositions observed in the salt mounts of Paternò.

Suggested Citation

  • Carmelo Bellia & Adrian H. Gallardo & Masaya Yasuhara & Kohei Kazahaya, 2015. "Geochemical Characterization of Groundwater in a Volcanic System," Resources, MDPI, vol. 4(2), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:4:y:2015:i:2:p:358-377:d:51099
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    Cited by:

    1. John Luczaj, 2016. "Groundwater Quantity and Quality," Resources, MDPI, vol. 5(1), pages 1-4, February.

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