Author(s)

M.T. Pareschi & M. Ranci

Abstract

Risk evaluation of SOi emission at Vulcano island (Sicily) M.T. Pareschi, M. Ranci Email: ranci@dst.unipi.it Abstract The island of Vulcano (Aeolian Archipelago, north of Sicily) is site of an intense fumarolic and hydrothermal activity. The main fumaroles, located on the northern ridge of La Fossa crater, emit essentially water vapour, carbon dioxide, sulphurous components and other minor compounds. In particular, SO: is very dangerous when inhaled (especially when mixed with particles and water vapour). Typical output rates of SO: in the last few years oscillate in the order of a few tons/day. SO: concentrations in the air over the island were estimated by numerical codes. Simulations were done using a 3D mesoscale meteorological model for complex terrain. Those were performed for no wind synoptic condition, which is the most significant in terms of hazard. Flow model outputs were then used by a Lagrangian particle model to simulate the dispersion of the gas. Risk scenarios are estim

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