Real‐time measurements of the concentration and isotope composition of atmospheric and volcanic CO 2 at Mount Etna (Italy)

Real-time measurements of CO₂ concentration and isotope composition at Mount Etna reveal distinct isotopic signatures in volcanic emissions, with fumarole gases showing δ¹³C values ranging from -3.24‰ to -3.71‰—comparable to traditional mass spectrometry results. Plume gases sampled over 1 km from craters exhibit δ¹³C ≈ -2.2‰, consistent with crater fumarole analyses. Anthropogenic CO₂ inputs in urban areas along the study route further influenced isotopic values. The study leverages laser-based spectroscopy for high-frequency (360 measurements/hour) monitoring, demonstrating its potential for advancing volcanic and environmental surveillance. These findings highlight the technique's utility in real-time gas analysis, offering new perspectives for volcanic monitoring.

Rizzo, A. L., Jost, H.-J., Caracausi, A., Paonita, A., Liotta, M., & Martelli, M. (2014). Real‐time measurements of the concentration and isotope composition of atmospheric and volcanic CO ₂ at Mount Etna (Italy). Geophysical Research Letters, 41(7), 2382–2389. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/2014gl059722