Carbon isotope ratio analysis using a laser-based technique has been performed in the field, on the gaseous emissions from an active volcano. We here describe that 13CO2/12CO2 determinations can be carried out in a quasi-continuous regime using a compact, selective and sensitive diode laser spectrometer at a wavelength of 2 μm. Within the Solfatara crater (near Naples, Italy), in a very harsh environment, we were able to determine relative 13CO2/ 12CO2 values, on the highest flux fumarole, with an accuracy of 0.5 %. Regular and frequent observations of the carbon isotopes in volcanic gases, which become possible with our methodology, are of the utmost importance for geochemical surveillance of volcanoes. © 2004 Optical Society of America.
First field determination of the13C/12 C isotope ratio in volcanic CO2 by diode-laser spectrometry
CASTRILLO, Antonio;TEDESCO, Dario;GIANFRANI, Livio
2004
Abstract
Carbon isotope ratio analysis using a laser-based technique has been performed in the field, on the gaseous emissions from an active volcano. We here describe that 13CO2/12CO2 determinations can be carried out in a quasi-continuous regime using a compact, selective and sensitive diode laser spectrometer at a wavelength of 2 μm. Within the Solfatara crater (near Naples, Italy), in a very harsh environment, we were able to determine relative 13CO2/ 12CO2 values, on the highest flux fumarole, with an accuracy of 0.5 %. Regular and frequent observations of the carbon isotopes in volcanic gases, which become possible with our methodology, are of the utmost importance for geochemical surveillance of volcanoes. © 2004 Optical Society of America.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
