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L'articolo si propone di sondare l'influenza del Dictionnaire de l'Académie française sulla lessicografia bilingue franco-italiana in un arco cronologico compreso tra il 1694 e il 1870. In particolare, si passano in rassegna le prefazioni dei principali dizionari bilingui pubblicati nel periodo considerato, al fine di valutare se il Dictionnaire de l'Académie venga citato tra le fonti e qual uso il lessicografo intenda farne. The article aims to explore the influence of the Dictionnaire de l'Académie française on French-Italian bilingual lexicography in a chronological arc between 1694 and 1870. In particular, the prefaces of the main bilingual dictionaries published in the period considered, in order to assess whether the Dictionnaire de l'Académie is mentioned among the sources and what use the lexicographer intends to make of it. L'article se propose d'explorer l'influence du Dictionnaire de l'Académie française sur la lexicographie bilingue français-italien dans un arc chronologique compris entre 1694 et 1870. En particulier, il examine les préfaces des principaux dictionnaires bilingues publiés dans période considérée, afin de déterminer si le Dictionnaire de l'Académie est cité parmi les sources et quel usage le lexicographe envisage d'en faire.

The present work reports on the isotopic characterization of rainfall and groundwater at Mt. Vesuvius. Values of δ 18O, monthly measured on rain samples collected during the period 2002–2004 in a rain-gauge network composed of 10 stations, were compared with meteorological and DEM data. Air temperature, controlled by the local orographic structure, was identified as the main factor influencing rain isotopic composition. Another important role is played by orographic clouds, whose condensation over the top of Mt. Vesuvius is responsible for anomalously high δ 18O values recorded in rain samples from the summit area of the volcanic edifice. A spatial model of rain isotopic composition, based on a 3D distribution of temperature derived by a 1 × 1 km DEM, was implemented and used for calculating the theoretical isotopic signature of seepage, further compared with data measured in the groundwater monitoring network. The analysis evidenced the role of local meteoric recharge as the main source feeding Mt. Vesuvius aquifers. The unique exception is the Olivella drainage gallery, located on the north-eastern flank of the volcanic edifice, whose isotopic composition is slightly more positive than the one expected for its altitude, likely caused by both evaporation processes and mixing with condensed hydrothermal vapor.

Herein we report on the chemical and isotopic (C, H, O, and He) compositions of the fluids from La Fossa crater fumaroles of Vulcano from 1999 to 2010. Consistent with records obtained since the end of the 1980s, our data show that the geochemical features of the fumarole system have experienced several episodes of remarkable change, each lasting no more than a few months. Typical signatures of these short-term anomalies are large increments in CO 2 , N 2 , and He concentrations, coupled to increased 13 C/ 12 C isotopic ratios, but their meaning remains widely debated. Within a model of fumarolic fluids based on mixing between hydrothermal and magmatic endmembers, we have developed a novel approach to constrain chemical (He/CO 2 and N 2 /He) and isotopic ( 13 C/ 12 C, D/H, and 3 He/ 4 He) ratios of the magmatic endmember during the short-term anomalies. Although much of the geochemical variability in fumaroles results from changes in mixing proportions, the magmatic fluid unquestionably shows significant variations in time. The magmatic He/CO 2 , N 2 /He, 13 C/ 12 C, and 3 He/ 4 He values throughout 1988–1996 differed from those feeding the anomaly at the end of 2004. Early clues of the new magmatic fluid appeared in 1998–1999, far from any short-term anomaly, whereas new and old magmatic fluids coexisted after 2004. We quantitatively prove that the detected geochemical changes are consistent with the degassing path of a magma having a latitic composition, and suggest the presence of two magma ponding levels at slightly different pressures, where bubble–melt decoupling can occur. The different He-isotope compositions at these levels suggest low hydraulic connectivity typical of a complex reservoir with dike and sill structures. In this framework, the short-term geochemical anomalies are probably due to gas accumulation at the top of magma bodies followed by massive escape, or activation of new degassing levels in the reservoir, for which the stress field almost certainly plays a key role. Such a scenario explains the observed increases in both fumarole output and shallow high-frequency seismicity (due to increased pore pressure) during the anomalies, while being consistent with the concomitant absence of any deep seismicity or ground deformation, eventually related to magma movement.

With the aim of detailing the interaction between volcanic emissions and water harvesting by Roof Water Catchment Systems (RWCSs), the present work illustrates the results of a study carried out at Stromboli Island, a small but densely populated active volcanic area in the South of Italy. Concentrations of major and trace elements determined in RWCS waters and sediments revealed clear clues of a contamination with gases and suspended particles of volcanic origin, even if the values of those contaminants considered by the World Health Organization as dangerous for human health are always below the Maximum Admitted Concentration (MAC). In particular, cistern water showed a composition similar to local coastal rainwater, with dissolved ions related not only to sea aerosol but also to volcanic gases and ash leaching, with a secondary enrichment in Ca ions due to the interaction with the limewashed surfaces of both roofs and cistern walls. The simulation of the potential increase in dissolved chemical species due to volcanic ash deposition on the water catchment surfaces indicates the possible exceedance of the MAC for several species. The symptoms of fluorosis affecting elderly people who were young at the time of the 1930–40 volcanic crisis is a clue of a possible volcanogenic fluorine contamination. On the other way, the simulation of the digestion process on solid volcanogenic particulate ingested with drinking water highlighted a potential dramatic increase (orders of magnitudes) of dangerous element concentrations in stomach fluids above their MACs. Despite the evidence of potential health risks induced by volcanic activity, no anamnesic evidence of related pathologies has been found among Stromboli population. This apparent discrepancy is solved taking into account the positive feedback among the good practice in maintaining clean conditions in the harvested waters and the prevalent fallout of volcanogenic ashes away from the main inhabited areas, favoured by the morphological setting of the island and its wind regime.

The isotopic signature of slow-flowing dripwater collected in caves located in Western Sicily (Italy) was determined for evaluating its possible use as an isotopic tracer of the local groundwater recharge. These spot measures were compared with a longer series of local rain and spring compositions and with other samples taken, under different hydrogeological conditions, in caves of the Harz Mountains (Northern Germany). The slow flowing dripwater from Sicily showed δ 18 O/δD ratios similar to those of local rain and groundwater, demonstrating that these three are all parent waters. A parallel similarity was found in the vertical isotopic gradient (Δδ 18 O) of the three groups of water, accounting for their common meteoric origin. In the colder Harz Region, dripwater, spring water and rain have the same δ 18 O/δD ratio but fast flowing dripwater, infiltrating through open cracks, is significantly enriched in lighter isotopes and representative of short residence time percolation. These results lead to the conclusion that dripwater, even if collected as spot samples, can be considered as a good isotopic marker of the average local groundwater recharge on the condition that only slow, diffused drips due to seepages are sampled.

Fumarole thermal monitoring is a useful tool in the evaluation of volcanic activity, since temperatures strongly relate to the upward flux of magmatic volatiles. Once depurated from meteorological noise, their variations can reflect permeability changes due to crustal stress dynamics eventually associated to seismic activity. In this work, we discuss a fumarole temperature record acquired in the period September 2009–May 2012 at Vulcano island (Italy), during which changes of volcanic state, local seismic activity and teleseisms occurred. Apart from positive thermal anomalies driven by increments in volcanic activity, we observed 3 episodes at least of concurrence between tectonic earthquakes and fumarole temperature increments, with particular reference to the local August 16th, 2010 Lipari earthquake, the March 11th, 2011 Sendai–Honshu (Japan) earthquake and a seismic swarm occurred along the Tindari-Letojanni fault in July–August 2011. We interpreted the seismic-related anomalies as “crustal fluid transients”, i.e. signals of volcanogenic vapour flow variations induced by stress-induced permeability changes. From this perspective fumarolic activity can be considered as a tracer of geodynamic instability but, since seismic and volcanic phenomena are in mutual cause-effect relationships, a multidisciplinary observation system is mandatory for correctly addressing thermal data interpretation.

Hydrological, chemical and meteorological data collected during the years 2006–2007 at Carburangeli Cave (Italy) have provided new insights on the near-surface cycle of carbon dioxide, particularly concerning the role played by fractures and karst conduits. Carbon dioxide is trapped in the underground atmosphere essentially when its temperature is lower than the outer one. By contrast, convective air circulation disperses all the excess CO2 in the external environment when the thermal differential is inverted. The network of fractures and karst conduits then works, in the vadose zone, as a re-circulator of CO2 from the soil to the atmosphere. The total amount of CO2 fixed in the underground is controlled, during the wet season, by the amount of infiltrating waters, which act as the main carrier of CO2 in the subsoil. By contrast, during the dry season, gravitational drainage is responsible for the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the underground voids. The quantitative balance demonstrated that the degassed CO2 amounts are one order of magnitude higher than the dissolved CO2. In light of this, if the near-surface outgassing processes are not taken into account, CO2 budgets may be affected by significant errors.

On 11 August 2008 a paroxysmal eruption occurred at Santa Barbara mud volcano (MV), located close to Caltanissetta, one of the most densely populated cities of Sicily (Italy). An associated minor event took place on August 2009. Both the events caused severe damage to civil infrastructures located within a range of about 2 km from the eruptive vent. Geomorphological, geochemical, and seismological investigations were carried out for framing the events in the appropriate geodynamic context. Geomorphological surveys recognized, in the immediate surrounding of the main emission point, two different families of processes and landforms: (i) ground deformations and (ii) changes in morphology and number of the fluid emitting vents. These processes were associated to a wider network of fractures, seemingly generated by the shock wave produced by the gas blast that occurred at the main paroxysm. Geochemical characterization allowed an estimation of the source of the fluids, or at least their last standing, at about 3 km depth. Finally, the close time relationships observed between anomalous increments of seismic activity and the two main paroxysmal events accounted for a possible common trigger for both the phenomena, even with different timing due to the very different initial conditions and characteristics of the two processes, i.e. seismogenesis and gas overloading.

Natural precipitation and water samples from passive devices were collected at Mt. Vesuvius and Vulcano Island, Italy, during the period 2004–2006, in order to investigate its possible interactions with fumarolic gases. Evidence of chemical reactions between fumarolic fluids and rain samples before and after its deposition into the sampling devices was found at Vulcano Island. Very low pH values (down to 2.5) and significant amounts of chlorine and sulfate (up to 22 mEq/l) were measured at sampling points located close to the fumarolic field. In contrast, anthropogenic contributions and/or dissolution of aerosols (both maritime and continental) influence the chemistry of rainwaters at Mt. Vesuvius, which show inter-annual variations that are highly consistent with those recorded at the coastal site at Vulcano Island. Chemistry of waters directly exposed to fumarolic fluids may then give useful information about its temporal evolution, holding the signal of the “maximum” chemical event occurred in the meanwhile. In addition, the observation of the health status of vegetation colonizing the immediate surroundings of the fumarolic fields, due to its strong dependence on the interactions with these fluids, may work as a possible biomarker of volcanic activity.

On February 27, 2007 a new eruption started at Stromboli that lasted until April 2 and included a paroxysmal explosion on March 15. Geochemical monitoring carried out over several years revealed some appreciable variations that preceded both the eruption onset and the explosion. The carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) flux from the soil at Pizzo Sopra La Fossa markedly increased a few days before the eruption onset, and continued during lava effusion to reach its maximum value (at 90,000 g m − 2 d − 1 ) a few days before the paroxysm. Almost contemporarily, the δ 13 C CO 2 of the SC5 fumarole located in the summit area increased markedly, peaking just before the explosion ( δ 13 C CO 2 ~ − 1.8‰). Following the paroxysm, helium (He) isotopes measured in the gases dissolved in the basal thermal aquifer sharply increased. Almost contemporarily, the automatic station of CO 2 flux recorded an anomalous degassing rate. Also temperatures and the vertical thermal gradient, which had been measured since November 2006 in the soil at Pizzo Sopra La Fossa, showed appreciable variabilities that lasted until the end of the eruption. The geochemical variations indicated the degassing of a new batch of volatile-rich magma that preceded and probably fed the paroxysm. The anomalous 3 He/ 4 He ratio suggested that the ascent of a second batch of volatile-rich magma toward the surface was probably responsible of the resumption of the ordinary activity. A comparison with the geochemical variations observed during the 2002–2003 eruption indicated that the 2007 eruption was less energetic.

Alkaline lakes like the hydrothermally affected lake Specchio di Venere (Pantelleria Island, Central Mediterranean) are typical geological settings harbouring calcified microbial mats. The present work is focused on the discrimination between biotic and abiotic processes driving carbonate precipitation in this lake, using hydrochemical, mineralogical and isotopic data. Hydrochemical analyses demonstrate that the lake is nearly 10−fold supersaturated with regard to aragonite and seasonally reaches hydromagnesite supersaturation. Microscopic observations depict organosedimentary laminated structures consisting of microbial communities and aragonitic precipitates, which are rather disseminated in pores than directly linked to microorganisms. Oxygen isotopic data indicate that authigenic carbonate crystallisation from evaporating water is the dominant precipitation process, further suggested by the absence of textural evidence of diagenetic processes. Conversely, the observed δ13C values reflect an influence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on carbon fractionation during the precipitation process, due to the selective sequestration of 12C in the biomass. The above considerations suggest that at lake Specchio di Venere the carbonate precipitation is mainly of inorganic nature, but a minor role played by biologically influenced processes in microbial mats is not excluded.

A limnological investigation was carried out on the small, endorheic lake, called Lake Sfondato, located in central Sicily (Italy). All the aquatic environments in the central part of the island are rich in salt, with conductivity values above 5 mS cm−1, and are characterized by high alkalinity values and hard waters. In addition, due to intensive agriculture, many of these ecosystems have experienced a strong anthropogenic eutrophication over the last decades. In order to better understand the functioning of these peculiar environments, the morphology, hydrology, and geochemistry, as well as several selected physical and biological characteristics of Lake Sfondato, were studied in the years 2003 and 2004. The results showed that the water body is characterized by meromixis, with permanent water stratification. This condition reduces the eutrophication processes within the lake, which have kept the trophic conditions constant over the last 50 yr.

Venere Lake, in the Pantelleria Island thermal system (Central Mediterranean Sea) consists of a mix of seawater and hydrothermal volcanic fluids containing high levels of dissolved SiO 2 . Close to the lake's thermal springs, siliceous stromatolites are deposed under high bacterial activity conditions whereas roughly interlaminated Ca-carbonates and microbial mats are widely scattered in the lake. The dissolved REE speciation in lake waters is dominated by [REE(CO 3 ) 2 ] − , [REE(CO 3 )] + and [REE(H 3 SiO 4 )] 2 + complexes. On the contrary the most abundant Zr and Hf species are hydroxyl- and fluoride-complexes. The behavior of REE Zr and Hf in the Venere lake waters is controlled by precipitation of amorphous silica, carbonates and bacterial activity. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns in stromatolites are characterized by positive La anomalies, superchondritic Y/Ho ratios and negative Eu anomalies. The Eu depletion is also found in microbial mats where is associated to a “chondritic” Y/Ho signature. Zr and Hf differently behave in dissolved phase and in newly-formed siliceous and carbonatic material: Hf reacts easily into amorphous silica surfaces whereas Zr is preferentially partitioned onto phosphate binding sites on microbial cell surfaces similar to the observed behavior of heavy REE (HREE). We suggest that the Zr-Hf relationship reflect the interface processes between mineral phases and bacterial membranes or compounds produced by bacterial activity.

Vulcano, the southernmost of the Aeolian island arc (Italy), is characterized by a shallow coastal aquifer resulting from the mixing of seawater, meteoric recharge and volcanogenic fluids. The aquifer has been intensively studied during the last decades, but a comprehensive hydrogeological model has never been developed due to the lack of direct information about the litho-stratigraphic columns of the wells and the depth of water bearing levels. We present and discuss here the time and spatial analysis of water table elevation, temperature and electric conductivity data, acquired during the last 20 years in 33 wells located at Vulcano Island, with the aim of developing a groundwater circulation scheme able to fit the field observations. We retrieved a circulation scheme characterized by an intricate geometry of flow paths driven by horizontal and vertical permeability variations, accounting for the strong variability of geochemical data evidenced in this area by the related scientific literature. Extending these results to a general context, particular care must be taken in approaching the study of aquifers in volcanic islands, because a strong, small spatial scale variability of the hydrogeochemical parameters is expected, and a reliable knowledge of the local conditions is required for developing successful groundwater circulation schemes.

We present the results of a re-analysis of a previously published carbon isotope data-set related to coralline sponges in the Caribbean Sea. The original interpretation led to the discrimination between a pre-industrial period, with a signal controlled by solar-induced climatic variations, followed by the industrial era, characterized by a progressive δ(13)C negative shift due to the massive anthropogenic carbon emissions. Our re-analysis allowed to extract from the raw isotopic data evidence of a solar forcing still visible during the industrial era, with a particular reference to the 88-year Gleissberg periods. These signals are related to slope changes in both the δ(13)C versus time and the δ(13)C versus carbon emission curves.

Stromboli is known for its mild, persistent explosive activity from the vents located within the summit crater depression at the uppermost part of the Sciara del Fuoco (SdF) depression. Effusive activity (lava flows) at this volcano normally occurs every 5–15 years, involving often the opening of eruptive fissures along the SdF, and more rarely overflows from the summit crater. Between the end of the 2007 effusive eruption and December 2012, the number of lava flows inside and outside the crater depression has increased significantly, reaching a total of 28, with an average of 4.8 episodes per year. An open question is why this activity has become so frequent during the last 6 years and was quite rare before. In this paper, we describe this exceptional activity and propose an interpretation based on the structural state of the volcano, changed after the 2002–2003 and even more after the 2007 flank effusive eruption. We use images from the Stromboli fixed cameras network, as well as ground photos, plume SO2 and CO2 fluxes released by the summit crater, and continuous fumarole temperature recording, to unravel the interplay between magma supply, structural and morphology changes, and lava flow output. Our results might help forecast the future behaviour and hazard at Stromboli and might be applicable to other open-conduit volcanoes.

The constant and mild activity of Stromboli volcano (Italy) is occasionally interrupted by effusive events and/or more energetic explosions, referred to as major explosions and paroxysms, which are potentially dangerous for the human community. Although several premonitory signals for effusive phases have been identified, precursors of major explosions and paroxysms still remain poorly understood. With the aim of contributing to the identification of possible precursors of energetic events, this work discusses soil temperature data acquired in low-temperature fumaroles at Stromboli in the period 2006–2010. Data analysis revealed that short-term anomalies recorded in the thermal signal are potentially useful in predicting state changes of the volcano. In particular, sudden changes in fumarole temperatures and their hourly gradients were observed from several days to a few hours prior to fracturing and paroxysmal events, heralded by peculiar waveforms of the recorded signals. The qualitative interpretation is supported by a quantitative, theoretical treatment that uses circuit theory to explain the time dependence of the short-period temperature variations, showing a good agreement between theoretical and observational data.

Geochemical data obtained between 1998 and 2011 at the Mt. Vesuvius aquifer are discussed, focusing on the effects of both the hydrological regime and the temporal pattern of local seismicity. Water samples were collected in a permanent network of wells and springs located in the areas that are mostly affected by the ascent of magmatic volatiles, and their chemical composition and dissolved gas content were analyzed. As well as the geochemical parameters that describe the behavior of groundwater at Mt. Vesuvius, we discuss the temporal distribution of volcano-tectonic earthquakes. The seismological data set was collected by the stations forming the permanent and mobile network of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - Osservatorio Vesuviano (INGV-OV). Our analysis of seismic data collected during 1998-2011 identified statistically significant variations in the seismicity rate, marked by phases of decreasing activity from October 1999 to May 2001 and increasing activity from August 2004 to mid-2006. The water chemistry shows peculiar patterns, characterized by a changeable input of CO2-rich and saline water, which must be related to either a changing stress field or an increased input of CO2-rich vapor. The water chemistry data from 1999 to 2003 account for both higher fluid pressure (which induced the seismic crisis of 1999 that peaked with a 3.6-magnitude earthquake in October 1999) and the increased input of CO2-rich fluids. The highest emission of CO2 from the crater fumaroles and the corresponding increase in dissolved carbon in groundwater characterize the phase of low seismicity. The termination of the phase of intense deep degassing is associated with a change in water chemistry and a peculiar seismic event that was recorded in July 2003. All these seismic and geochemical patterns are interpreted according to temporal variations in the regional and local stress field.

The detailed analysis carried out on the data, acquired in two continuous monitoring stations during the 2002―2003 Stromboli eruption, integrated by daily field observations of the scientific personnel working at the volcanological observatory, showed that CO 2 flux and soil temperature are strictly related to volcanic events. Furthermore, the recorded signals showed a strong correlation with wind speed and direction, revealing that during the eruption, in the summit area of Stromboli, air movements were related not only to atmospheric circulation, but were also significantly affected and, in certain cases, caused by volcanic activity. The possible volcanic origin of a peculiar type of air circulation identified in the summit area of Stromboli suggests that the separation between volcanic and atmospheric signals might not be obvious, requiring monitoring of atmospheric parameters over a wide area, rather than a single location.

In this paper we present the first data of temperature continuously recorded in two fumarole fields (designated VOR and HOR) located in the summit area of Mount Etna volcano (Italy). The time series embraces two distinct periods: (1) October 2007 to November 2009, during which an effusive eruption occurred from May 2008 to July 2009, and (2) November 2011 to June 2012, characterized by the occurrence of strong paroxysms (fire fountains and lava flow). The analysis of the temperature signal in both the time and frequency domains, and its comparison with meteorological observations allowed us to separate the exogenous influences from the effects of variations in the activity state of the volcano. The acquired data were weakly affected by seasonal cycles of the air temperature and strongly affected by the rainfall. Optimization of site conditions (i.e., sensor depth and soil permeability) markedly reduced meteorological disturbances. The distance from the main degassing and/or eruptive fractures was crucial to maximizing the probability of the technical survival of the monitoring apparatus, which was seriously affected by the emission of acidic gases, tephra fallout, and lava flows. Apart from the exogenous influences, the most appreciable variation was observed at VOR, where a huge increase in fumarole temperature was detected immediately after the onset of the 2008–2009 eruption. Such an anomalous increase was attributed to the rapid ascent of magma feeding the eruptive fracture. Another abrupt increase in temperature was recorded at HOR in March and April 2012. During this period the frequency of paroxysm occurrence increased markedly, and this led us to hypothesize that the thermal anomaly was due to the intrusion of a new batch of magma in the conduits of the southeast crater. Medium- to long-term monitoring (weeks to months) of fumarole temperatures revealed variations that were attributed to pressurization/depressurization phases of the shallow volcanic system, which varied between the various monitored sectors of the volcano. Our observations suggest that continuous monitoring of fumarole temperature can give useful information about the activity of Mount Etna. Moreover, due to the complexity of its shallow plumbing system, we conclude that the monitoring systems should be extended to cover the entire fumarole network of the summit area.

Rare earth elements (REE) were investigated in siliceous stromatolites forming in the Specchio di Venere Lake on Pantelleria Island. Chondrite-normalised patterns show significant La enrichments and Eu depletions suggesting that fluids involved in stromatolite growth experienced strong rock-water interactions under hydrothermal conditions. At the same time, enrichments in heavy REE (HREE) with respect to intermediate REE (MREE) suggest that hydrothermal fluids interacted with microbial mats during deposition of the stromatolites. The above-mentioned features suggest that rock-water interactions and bacterial activity were simultaneously recorded in the REE patterns of stromatolites, and can be discriminated in terms of amplitudes of the La anomaly, and the HREE/MREE ratio.

[1] Total CO2 output from fumaroles, soil gas, bubbling gas discharges and water dissolved gases discharged from the island, was estimated for Vulcano island, Italy. The CO2 emission from fumaroles from the La Fossa summit crater was estimated from the SO2 crater output, while CO2 discharged through diffuse soil emission was quantified on the basis of 730 measurements of CO2 fluxes from the soil of the island, performed by using the accumulation chamber method. The results indicate an overall output of ≅500 t day−1 of CO2 from the island. The main contribution to the total CO2 output comes from the summit area of the La Fossa cone (453 t day−1), with 362 t day−1 from crater fumaroles and 91 t day−1 from crater soil degassing. The release of CO2 from peripheral areas is ≅20 t day−1 by soil degassing (Palizzi and Istmo areas mainly), an amount comparable to both the contribution of water dissolved CO2 (6 t day−1), as well as to seawater bubbling CO2 (4 t day−1 measured in the Istmo area). Presented data (September 2007) refer to a period of moderate solphataric activity, when the fumaroles temperature were 450°C and gas/water molar ratio of fumaroles was up to 0.16. The calculated total CO2emission allows the estimation of the mass release and related thermal energy from the volcanic-hydrothermal system.

Seismic activity, ground deformation, and soil and fumarole temperatures acquired during 2004–2007 at Vulcano (Aeolian Islands) are analysed and the time relations among the different time series are discussed. Changes in temperature of fumarolic gases took place during four “anomalous” periods (November 2004–March 2005; October 2005–February 2006; August–October 2006; July–December 2007) at the same time as an increasing number of volcano-seismic events. In particular, the temperatures at high temperature vents and at steam heated soil ranged in time from 180 to 440°C and from 20 to 90°C, respectively. The maximum daily number of volcano-seismic events was 57, reached during the second anomalous period. This seismicity, characterised by focal depth generally lower than 1 km below sea level (b.s.l.) and composed of different kinds of events associated to both resonance and shear failure processes, is related to the shallow dynamics of the hydrothermal system. During the analysed period, very few volcano-tectonic earthquakes took place and tilt recordings showed no sharp or important changes. In light of such observations, the increases in both temperature and volcano-seismic events number were associated to increases in the release of gas from a deep and stable magma body, without magma intrusions within the shallow hydrothermal system. Indeed, a greater release of gas from depth leads to increased fluid circulation, that can promote increases in volcano-seismic events number by both fracturing processes and resonance and vibration in cracks and conduits. The different trends observed in the measured geochemical and geophysical series during the anomalous periods can be due to either time changes in the medium permeability or a changing speed of gas release from a deep magma body. Finally, all the observed variations, together with the changing temporal distribution of the different seismic event kinds, suggest that the hydrothermal system at Vulcano can be considered unsteady and dynamic.

The present study illustrates the procedures applied for the coordinate system conversion of the historical fumarole positions at La Fossa crater, to allow their comparison with newly acquired global positioning system (GPS) data. Due to the absence of ground control points in the field and on both the old Gauss Boaga and the new UTM WGS 1984 maps, we had to model the transformation errors between the two systems using differential GPS techniques. Once corrected, the maps show a residual Easting shifting, due to erroneous georeferencing of the original base maps; this is corrected by morphological comparative methods. The good correspondence between the corrected positions of the historical data and the results of the new GPS survey that was carried out in 2009 highlights the good quality of the old surveys, although they were carried out without the use of accurate topographical instruments.

[1] This paper presents the results of hydrogeochemical and seismological studies carried out at Mount Vesuvius during the period June 1998 to December 2005. Hydrogeochemical data show the occurrence of slowly varying long-term variations in the total dissolved salts and bicarbonate contents of the groundwaters, accompanied by a general decline in water temperatures. The temporal distributions of air temperature and rainfall in the Vesuvius area suggest that these variations do not depend on changes in the hydrological regime. The changes in the geochemical parameters are accompanied by slight variations in both the seismicity rate and energy release. A further relationship between seismic activity and fluid discharge rate is highlighted by a particular episode that occurred in August 2005, when a soil thermal anomaly was observed a few weeks before the occurrence of a very shallow earthquake. Moment tensor analysis of this earthquake suggests that the most plausible source mechanism is a shear faulting combined with the opening of tensile crack. This feature is often observed in volcanic areas and it is usually related to fluid- and/or gas-driven rock fracturing. The observed seismological, hydrological, and geochemical temporal changes are interpreted not as changes of the volcanic system but in terms of an external forcing as identified in the variation of the regional and local stress field acting on the volcano. This study has inferences onto the evaluation of the state of activity of volcanic systems and the eventual detection of unrest phenomena.

[1] Soil temperature and total dissolved gas pressure (TDGP) data were recorded by two continuous monitoring stations on the volcano of Stromboli (Italy) between March and October 2006. During this period several TDGP and soil temperature anomalies, unrelated to external causes and characterized by a similar shape and occurrence time, were recorded. These anomalies were interpreted as transients due to changes in the degassing regime of the volcano, which was in turn related to changes in the partition ratio of the volcanic fluids between the conduit and the soil. In the same period Stromboli experienced an anomalous phase of volcanic and tectonic activity. The close correlation found between volcano-tectonic activity and variations in anomalous-monitored parameters suggests that their continuous monitoring may be a useful tool for the surveillance of volcanic activity on the island.

During a three-year discontinuous geochemical monitoring of some warm springs and cold discharges located in central-northern Sicily, some hydro-geochemical changes were observed. Excluding a possible related to a moderate seismic activity were accidentally identified. The observed anomalies showed amplitudes that were modulated by the different geometries and volumes of the feeding aquifers. A poroelastic aquifer contraction, a shaking-induced dilatancy theory as well as seismogenetic-induced changes in the properties of the aquifers have been proposed as possible mechanisms for the water flow and hydro-geochemical changes. These preliminary results could be used to design a monitoring network aimed at surveilling the seismic activity of the studied area from a geochemical standpoint.

Hydrological and geochemical studies performed on Lake Specchio di Venere on Pantelleria island (Italy) indicate that this endorheic basin has been formed through upwelling of the water table, and that it is continuously fed by the thermal springs situated on its shores. The lake is periodically stratified both thermally and in salinity, albeit this stratification is rather unstable over time, since meteorological events such as strong rain or wind can determine the mixing of its waters. Periodical analyses of the lake water chemistry show large variations of the salt content due to the yearly evaporation-rain dilution cycle. These processes are also responsible for the saline stratification during steady meteorological conditions. The mineralogical characterisation of the bottom sediments shows the almost exclusive presence of neoformation minerals, mainly carbonates, formed in response to the pH gradient between spring- (pH ≈ 6) and lake-waters (pH ≈ 9). Finally, the CO2 partial pressures in the lake water slightly exceeding the atmospheric one, are due to the large amounts of CO2 brought to the lake through the bubbling free gas phase of the thermal springs. Nevertheless the high pH value of the lake water, its small volume and its periodical mixing prevent dangerous built up of this gas.

The chemical and isotopic compositions of the precipitation at Stromboli Island, Italy, were investigated between October 2003 and October 2005. We employed a rain gauge network designed to cover the range in exposures and elevations of the volcanic edifice. The hydrogen and oxygen isotopic ratios vary greatly on a seasonal basis and correlate with air temperature. Deuterium excess values show a positive correlation with altitude. No direct contribution of volcanogenic H or O is evident in the isotopic composition of the rainwater. The chemical composition of the rainwater is principally controlled by the sea aerosol contribution at the coastal sites, whereas it is significantly influenced by volcanic activity near the summit vents. Interaction with volcanic acid gases is indicated by the pH, which is usually 1–2 units lower near the craters than at the coastal sites. The S/Cl, Cl/F, and S/F molar ratios in rainwater 1.5 km from the craters are consistent with those measured in the volcanic plume using other methods (diffusive tubes and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). Rising of undegassed magmas changes these molar ratios because of the differential degassing of sulphur, chlorine, and fluorine from the magma. We therefore propose that the chemical composition of precipitation, within 1.5 km of the craters, provides additional information that is useful for monitoring volcanic activity at Stromboli Island. Moreover, this paper presents estimates of the fluxes of F, Cl, S, Na, K, Ca, and Mg to the soil that could be useful for geochemical studies on groundwater.

The present paper describes a multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation of a seismically triggered landslide that occurred in the Cerda area (Italy) on September 6, 2002, about 1 h after an earthquake took place in the south Tyrrhenian Sea. The study was focused on an analysis of the role of the seismic input in triggering the landslide, in view of the evidence that no other mass movement was recorded in the adjacent areas despite geological and geomorphological spatial homogeneity. The studied area is located on a slope of the western flank of the Fiume Imera Settentrionale (Northern Sicily), which is made up of clayey–arenitic rocks. The slope inclines gently but is not uniform due to fluvial, gravitative, and rainwash processes. Field data dealing with global positioning system (GPS), geology, geomorphology, geophysics (vertical electrical sounding, or VES), and geochemistry (soil gas fluxes and composition) were acquired and analysed in order to investigate the cause–effect relationships between the earthquake and the mass movement. The GPS survey allowed us to map the ground failures that have also been classified on the basis of their kinematical meaning (i.e., compressive, distensive, or transcurrent structures). The geological analysis revealed outcropping rocks and tectonic structures. The geomorphologic survey highlighted the presence of preexisting landslide bodies. The geophysical survey detected a buried surface located at a depth of about 100 m . Finally, the geochemical survey showed that the gas released from the displaced mass came from a shallow depth and was not related to any active fault system. The abovementioned information allowed us to interpret the landslide event as a partial reactivation of a preexisting landslide body that was triggered by the earthquake.

[1] From December 2002 to July 2003, Stromboli volcano was characterized by a new effusive stage of eruption after a period of extraordinary strombolian activity. Signals recorded in two continuous monitoring stations during the eruption, which have already been presented in very recent papers, evidenced anomalies in the CO2 flux just before the onset of the eruption. A more detailed analysis carried out on the data subset acquired during the eruption, integrated by daily field observations of the scientific personnel working at the volcanological observatory in Stromboli, showed that CO2 flux and soil temperature are strictly related to volcanic events. Furthermore, the relative minima and maxima of the two parameters showed a strong correlation with wind speed and direction. This fact was especially true at the summit station, whereas at the coastal sites seasonal and meteorological effects masked the volcanic signal. The analysis of the wind data, particularly the relationships between wind speed and direction, air and soil temperature, and local circulation of atmospheric air masses revealed that during the eruption, in the summit area of Stromboli air movements were not only related to atmospheric circulation but were also significantly affected, and in certain cases caused, by volcanic activity. This conclusion was reached by observing several anomalies, such as the discrepancies in the wind direction between the two stations, higher air temperatures at the summit site, and inversion of direction for wind before and after the reopening of the conduit in a major explosion on 5 April 2003. The relationships found between volcanic activity, soil temperatures, CO2 fluxes, and wind speed and direction indicate that soil temperature measurements, in an open conduit volcano such as in this case, could be used to monitor the level of volcanic activity, along with CO2 flux. Furthermore, the possible volcanic origin of a peculiar type of air circulation identified in the summit area of Stromboli suggests that the separation between volcanic and atmospheric signals might not be obvious, requiring monitoring over a wide area, rather than a single location.

Il lessicografo e professore Antonio Ronna (1801-1866) appartiene a quella schiera di intellettuali impegnati che presero parte al Risorgimento e che si esiliarono per non piegarsi al giogo del regime austriaco. Nel 1836, completa, grazie alle schede lasciate da Biagioli, il Dictionnaire italien-français, français-italien: è l'inizio di un'attività che ne farà uno dei lessicografi di maggior successo dell'Ottocento. Lo stesso anno, a seguito di una revisione piuttosto sommaria, pubblica anche una ripresa del Dizionario di Barberi; occorrerà attendere il 1858 affinché il suo proprio dizionario, ispirato a quello di Biagioli, venga pubblicato. All'attività di lessicografo, Ronna unisce quella di professore: l'insegnamento della lingua italiana in costante raffronto con la francese gli ispirerà la pubblicazioni di opere pedagogiche, tra le quali si distingue il Guide de la conversation français-italien (1840 successive edizioni fino al 1873). The lexicographer and teacher Antonio Ronna (1801-1866) is one of those examples of committed intellectuals who took part in the Risorgimento and left their countries not to bend to the Austrian regime. In 1836, thanks to the records left by Biagioli, he completed the Dictionnaire italien-français, français-italien: this was the beginning of an activity that would make him one of the best-known lexicographers of the nineteenth century. In the same year, after a quite brief revision, he resumed the Dictionary of Barberi and published it. It was only in 1858 that, inspired by Biagioli’s works, he published his own dictionary. Not only was Ronna a lexicographer, but also a teacher: his teaching the Italian language together with his constant interest for the French language led him to write educational books, including the Guide de la conversation français-italien (1840 and further editions until the 1873 edition) which is his most important work in this field. Antonio Ronna (1801-1866), lexicographe et professeur, représente un de ces exemples d’intellectuel engagé qui participèrent au Risorgimento et s’exilèrent pour ne pas se plier au joug du régime autrichien. En 1836, il complète, grâce aux fiches laissées par Biagioli, le Dictionnaire italien-français, français-italien : c’est le début d’une activité qui en fera l’un des lexicographes à grand succès du XIXe siècle. La même année, à la suite d’une révision plutôt sommaire, il publie aussi une reprise du Dictionnaire de Barberi ; il faudra par contre attendre 1858 pour que son propre Dictionnaire, inspiré de celui de Biagioli, voie le jour. À l’activité de lexicographe, Ronna joint celle de professeur : l’enseignement de la langue italienne dans un souci de rapprochement constant avec la langue française lui donnera l’envie d’écrire des ouvrages pédagogiques, parmi lesquels le Guide de la conversation français-italien (1840 et éditions successives jusqu’en 1873) se taille la part du lion.

Questo articolo intende esaminare l’importanza dell’abbigliamento e dei vestiti in Balzac, in particolare le diverse tenute del personaggio Vautrin fin dalla sua prima apparizione nel “Père Goriot” (1834), passando per le “Illusions perdues” (1835-1843) e fino a “Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes” (1838-1847); frattanto, Vautrin ha preso anche a calcare le scene in una pièce omonima rappresentata nel 1840. Attraverso uno studio che tiene conto dell’analisi della descrizione e delle sue implicazioni psicoanalitiche, si mostra come l’uso del vestito serva da tramite alle “dé-robades” della diegesi. This article aims to examine the importance of clothing in Balzac, especially the different accoutrements of the character of Vautrin from his first appearance in the " Père Goriot " (1834), through the "Illusions perdues" (1835) -1843) and up to " Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes" (1838-1847); meanwhile Vautrin became the character of a homonymous pièce represented in 1840. Through a study that takes into account the analysis of the description and its psychoanalytic implications, it is shown how the use of clothing serves the diegetic "dé-robade". Cet article se propose d’examiner l’importance de la tenue vestimentaire chez Balzac, en particulier les différents accoutrements du personnage de Vautrin dès sa première apparition dans le “Père Goriot” (1834), en passant par les “Illusions perdues” (1835-1843) et jusqu’à “Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes” (1838-1847); entre-temps Vautrin est aussi monté sur les planches dans une pièce homonyme représentée en 1840. A travers une étude qui tient compte de l’analyse de la description et de ses enjeux psychanalytiques, l’on montre comment l'emploi du vetement sert de truchement à la "dé-robade" diégétique.