Integration of high‐resolution geophysical and hydrogeological investigations at Solfatara Volcano, Campi Flegrei, Italy, allowed us to (1) image the shallow and intermediate subsurface to the crater, (2) elucidate patterns in the shallow subsurface degassing, and (3) refine and upgrade volcano‐monitoring strategies for this dynamic area. Our results show that the subsurface to the crater can be divided roughly into two zones: a dry, outcropping layer overlying a horizon saturated by hydrothermal fluids. Within this saturated zone, intersections of dominant NW‐ and ENE‐striking structural lineaments act as preferential escape conduits for the fluids which generate high microseismic noise amplitudes in the southeastern part of the crater. Hydrogeological data suggest an uprising of the isotherms below Solfatara crater, and a marked increment of fluid degassing, over the last 40 years. Sudden variations of both seismic noise level and noise cycling are positively correlated with early stages of ground inflation during the AD 2000 uplift. We believe therefore that monitoring of seismic noise can be used for upgrading early warning strategies in this sector of the Campi Flegrei volcanic system.

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[1] In November 2007 we conducted a water column and seafloor mapping study of the submarine volcanoes of the Aeolian Arc in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea aboard the R/V Urania. On 26 conductivity-temperature-depth casts and tows we measured temperature, conductivity, pressure, and light scattering and also collected discrete samples for helium isotopes, methane, and pH. The 3 He/ 4 He isotope ratio, an unambiguous indicator of hydrothermal input, showed a clear excess above background at 6 of the 10 submarine volcanoes surveyed. Marsili seamount had the highest anomaly, where the 3 He/ 4 He ratio reached a d 3 He value of 23% at 610 m depth compared with background values of ∼5%. Smaller but distinct d 3 He anomalies occurred over Palinuro, Enarete, Eolo, Sisifo, and Secca del Capo. Although hydrothermal emissions are known to occur offshore of some Aeolian subaerial volcanoes, and hydrothermal deposits have been sampled throughout the arc, our results are the first to confirm active discharge on Marsili, Enarete, Eolo, Sisifo, and Secca del Capo. Samples collected over Lametini, Filicudi North, Alicudi North, and Alcione had d 3 He near the regional background values, suggesting either absence of, or very weak, hydrothermal activity on these seamounts. Hydrocasts between the volcanoes revealed a consistent d 3 He maximum between 11% and 13% at 2000 m depth throughout the SE Tyrrhenian Sea. The volcanoes of the Aeolian arc and the Marsili back arc, all <1000 m deep, cannot contribute directly to this maximum. This deep 3 He excess may be a remnant of tritium decay or may have been produced by an unknown deep hydrothermal source.

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[1] The Neapolitan volcanic region is located within the graben structure of the Campanian Plain (CP), which developed between the western sector of the Appenine Chain and the eastern margin of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Two volcanic areas, spaced less than 10 km apart, are situated within the CP: the SommaVesuvius Volcano (SVV) and the Phlegraean Volcanic District (PVD). SVV is a typical stratovolcano, whereas PVD, including Campi Flegrei, Procida, and Ischia, is composed mostly of monogenetic centers. This contrast is due to different magma supply systems: a widespread fissure-type system beneath the PVD and a central-type magma supply system for the SVV. Volcanological, geophysical, and geochemical data show that magma viscosity, magma supply rate, and depth of magma storage are comparable at PVD and SVV, whereas different structural arrangements characterize the two areas. On the basis of geophysical data and magma geochemistry, an oblique-extensional tectonic regime is proposed within the PVD, whereas in the SVV area a compressive stress regime dominates over extension. Geophysical data suggest that the area with the maximum deformation rate extends between the EW-running 41st parallel and the NE-running Magnaghi-Sebeto fault systems. The PVD extensional area is a consequence of the Tyrrhenian Sea opening and is decoupled from the surrounding areas (Roccamonfina and Somma-Vesuvius) which are still dominated by Adriatic slab dynamics. Spatially, we argue that the contribution of the asthenospheric wedge become much less important from W-NW to E-SE in the CP. The development of the two styles of volcanism in the CP reflects the different tectonic regimes acting in the area.Components: 15,031 words, 9 figures, 1 table.