Mount Etna and the 1971 eruption - The collection and analysis of volcanic gases from Mount Etna

Abstract

A new method of collecting and analysing volcanic gases is described. Analyses of gases collected from Mt Etna during the restricted activity of 1970 and during the eruption of 1971 are presented. It is concluded that the most meaningful way of comparing analyses is in the atomic form as this eliminates secondary equilibration effects. The gases of 1970 and 1971 are distinguished by graphical presentation of the analyses, the main difference being their sulphur content.