Modeling of the Geothermal Activity at Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy)

Abstract

Since its last eruption (1888-90) Vulcano has been in a fumarolic stage. Present activity includes fumaroles at the crater rim and at the Baia di Levante beach, and soil gas emissions. Physical modeling of heat and fluid flow through a cylindrical porous medium were carried out to study the hydrothermal activity. Simulation results show that a layered permeability distribution, with the more permeable region at the top, is consistent with the thermal gradient observed in the area around the cone. Higher permeability throughout the whole depth of the domain is required to obtain the elevated mass discharge rate and temperature observed at the fumarolic fields. Variations in the permeability distribution are shown to affect the discharge conditions at the surface and outline the importance of such parameters in controlling the fluid flow evolution.