Radioactivity measurements in volcano-tectonic area for geodynamic process study

Abstract

In the last ten years we carried out several radioactivity investigations in the aetnean area, a peculiar site characterized by both tectonicand volcanic features. In particular, continuous measurements in-soilradon gas carried out from 2001 until 2006 in the eastern flank of Mt. Etna, while several volcanic events occurred, showed a possible correlation between radon concentration and geodynamic activity, in particular magma uprising. We report in particular on the survey performedin order to determine vertical radon concentration profiles at differentdepths in sites near active faults in order to extract radon diffusion coefficients for the different sites. Moreover laboratory analysis alloweddetermining radionuclide contents (via γ-spectroscopy) and radon exhalation rate (via Can-technique) for different rock samples from themonitored sites. This study represents a contribution to better definethe radon transport process through fractured media, in particular in volcanic area.