Hydrothermal pressure-temperature control on CO2 emissions and seismicity at Campi Flegrei (Italy)

Fluids supplied by stored magma at depth are causal factors of volcanic unrest, as they can cause pressurization/ heating of hydrothermal systems. However, evidence for links between hydrothermal pressurization, CO2 emis-sion and volcano seismicity have remained elusive. Here, we use recent (2010-2020) observations at Campi Flegrei caldera (CFc) to show hydrothermal pressure, gas emission and seismicity at CFc share common source areas and well-matching temporal evolutions. We interpret the recent escalation in seismicity and surface gas emissions as caused by pressure-temperature increase at the top of a vertically elongated (0.3-2 km deep) gas front. Using mass (steam) balance considerations, we show hydrothermal pressurization is causing energy transfer from the fluids to the host rocks, ultimately triggering low magnitude earthquakes within a seismogenetic volume containing the hydrothermal system. This mechanism is probably common to other worldwide calderas in similar hydrothermal activity state. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.