Author(s)

A. Aiuppa, S. Bellomo, W. D’Alessandro, M. Ferm & M. Valenza

Abstract

Influence of volcanic passive degassing on air quality in the Mt. Etna area A. ~iuppa', S. ~ellornol, W. ~'~lessandro*, M. ~ e r r n ~ & M. Valenza ' '~ipartimento CFTA, Universitir di Palermo, Italy 2 Istituto Nazionale di Geojkica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Palermo, Italy -'IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Gothenburg, Sweden Abstract In this paper, we present the very first determinations of atmospheric concentration of SOz, HCI and HF in rural locations of the Etnean area. Data were gathered with a network of 18 passive samplers, distributed on the slopes of the volcano at distances between 0.8 and 11.2 km from the summit craters and exposed for a period of one month (June 2002). Data analysis reveals that acid gas concentrations in air, ranging 3 -720 &m3 (SO*), i0.5-74 &m3 (HCl) and <0.1-3.0 &m3 (HF), show an inverse relationship with distance fiom the summit craters, reflecting the progressive dilution of volcanogenic volatiles by air components. We also point out that gas c

Keywords