A multidisciplinary strategy for in-situ and remote sensing monitoring of areas affected by pressurized fluids: Application to mud volcanoes: A multidisciplinary environmental monitoring strategy

A multidisciplinary strategy integrating a data set obtained using different mthods and techniques, ranging from remote sensing (UAV system, FTIR, thermal imaging) to direct field measurements (soil heat flux, soil CO2 flux, gravimetry and geomagnetism) proved highly capable of modeling regions affected by pressurized fluids circulation and extreme natural environments. As a test site, the Salinelle mud volcanoes area, located close to the city of Paternò (Sicily), was selected. This area is characterized by gas exhalations through water/mud vents. Detailed morpho-structural information, GIS thematic maps and geochemail signature of the released gas were quickly retrieved. This study showed that by integrating and harmonizing many disciplines of geosciences it is possible to get a comprehensive geological model of the studied area. Results, showed the accurate detection of structural setting of such an area and the opportunuty to monitor the spatial/temporal evolution of water/mud vents. The proposed approach allowed to expand the use of each single technique beyond its traditional applications and to make it a potential tool for many fields of geoscience.