Temporal variations of helium isotopes in volcanic gases quantify pre-eruptive refill and pressurization in magma reservoirs: The Mount Etna case

A pioneering approach using helium isotope ratios (3He/4He) in volcanic gases has revealed strong correlations with pre-eruptive magma refill and pressurization at Mount Etna, Italy. This method provides a unique tracer for monitoring volcanic activity, enabling near real-time estimation of key parameters such as magma input rate and volume changes in deep chambers preceding eruptions. The study demonstrates that increases in 3He/4He ratios precede main eruptive episodes, reflecting deep magma influx and pressurization beneath the volcano. By integrating these findings with geodetic data, researchers have developed a model that offers unprecedented quantitative insights into the physics of magmatic systems. This approach holds significant potential for global application, particularly in volcanoes exhibiting similar unrest episodes.

Paonita, A., Caracausi, A., Martelli, M., & Rizzo, A. L. (2016). Temporal variations of helium isotopes in volcanic gases quantify pre-eruptive refill and pressurization in magma reservoirs: The Mount Etna case. Geology, 44(7), 499–502. https://doi.org/10.1130/g37807.1