Modelling temperature distributions and radon emission at Stromboli Volcano using a non-extensive statistical approach

Studying the hydrothermal features in a volcanic field is an important step in understanding eruption mechanisms as well as volcanically induced earthquakes. These processes can occur cyclically in a volcanic systems and could be explained by modem thermo-fluidodynamics theory. A computer model has been performed on the basis of field measurements. Radon emission are strictly correlated with magma degassing, the local temperature gradient, rock porosities and permeabilities. Anomalies in radon emissions at the surface can provide critical informations about the geothermal system and about the distribution of fracture networks in the volcanic structure. We therefore describe radon migration from the magma column and from the magma chamber in terms of a bi-dimensional model, in order to explain relative radon peak emissions by using a non-extensive statistical approach. The results of the model, compared with the collected field data, are hereby presented and discussed. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.