Communications Earth & Environment (May 2024)

b value enlightens different rheological behaviour in Campi Flegrei caldera

  • Anna Tramelli,
  • Vincenzo Convertito,
  • Cataldo Godano

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01447-y
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 1
pp. 1 – 6

Abstract

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Abstract The Campi Flegrei caldera is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world and since 2005 it is in unrest. Here we evaluate the 3D tomography of the b value at the Campi Flegrei volcanic area revealing a very good correlation with the structure of the hydrothermal system involved in the bradiseismic phenomenon. More precisely, we observe the smallest b-values where we expect the higher stress/strain concentration, namely in the caprock, and for the deepest seismicity. Conversely, the largest b values are observed where the porosity of the medium allows the passage of the volcanic gases toward the surface. Values of b close to typical tectonic ones are observed where the presence of faulting structures is well documented.