Short- and long-term gas hazard: the release of toxic gases in the Alban Hills volcanic area (central Italy)

In the Alban Hills area, strong areally diffuse and localised spot degassing processes occur (Tivoli, Cava dei Selci, Solforata, Tor Caldara). The gas comprises a large proportion of CO2, with minor CH4, H2S and Rn. These advective features are generated by fluid leakage from buried reservoirs hosted in the structural highs of the Mesozoic carbonate basement. Gas migration towards the surface is controlled by fault and fracture systems bordering the structural highs of the carbonate formations (e.g. Ciampino high). His release is triggered when the total pressure of the fluid phase exceeds the hydrostatic pressure, thus forming a free gas phase. Furthermore, both the sudden and catastrophic, and slow and continuous gas release at surface, of naturally occurring toxic species (CO2, H2S and Rn) poses a serious health risk to people living in this geologically active area.