The IPANEMA Project: Underwater Acoustic Structure for Volcanic Activity and Natural CO₂ Emissions Monitoring

Abstract

Carbon dioxide produced by human activities (i.e., use of fossil fuels, deforestation, and livestock farming) is the main greenhouse gas causing global warming. In 2020, the concentration in the atmosphere exceeded the pre-industrial level by 48% (before 1750). The study of natural CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions due to volcanic activity through innovative measurement techniques is the main goal of the IPANEMA project. These studies are both essential for the evaluation of natural CO2 emissions and for the development of future carbon capture and storage in underground geological formations to ensure that there are no leaks from the storage sites. Through the installation of two underwater acoustic stations, i.e., one in Panarea and one in the Gulf of Catania, we want to investigate techniques for estimating the flux of CO2 emitted by natural sources, locating emission sources, and, in general, monitoring volcanic activity.

Keywords

• underwater acoustics
• monitoring
• carbon dioxide
• volcanic activity
• Panarea
• Catania