United States

The use of renewables is of paramount importance for sustainable development and economic growth. In this context, shallow ground-sourced heat exchangers (GSHEs) coupled with geothermal heat pumps represent a valuable opportunity for heating and cooling systems both in urban and rural areas. The regions of the Central Italy affected by the 2016 seismic sequence (Mmax 6.5), while involved in the post-earthquake reconstruction, could greatly benefit from the installation of GSHEs, which are environmental-friendly and with two peculiarities among the renewables: (i) continuous source of thermal energy and (ii) landscape protection (GSHEs are not visible). Here the focus is set on the evaluation of the shallow geothermal potential for the southern sectors of the Marche Region, with the aim of producing maps favouring the knowledge of the heat that could be extracted through GSHEs from different rocks of the subsoil. As a first pilot area we selected the upper-middle portion of the Potenza river fluvial plain to quantitatively estimate the values of key parameters such as the thermal conductivity, the volumetric heat capacity of the subsoil and the specific heat extraction. We followed the methods described in Taussi et al. (2021), thus averaging the geothermal parameters values over the first 100 meters, i.e. the most common depth of GSHEs. In order to assign the representative values for the shallow heat exchange parameters, the local stratigraphy was reconstructed on the basis of the surveys and data (mainly geognostic drillings) made available by the Civil Protection, thanks to the completion of the third level of the seismic microzonation studies. This freely accessible database might represent a valuable tool and source of information for such shallow geothermal studies in many different areas, and thus we recommend its use, given the relatively easy availability. In addition, the possibility (and the reliability) to use geophysical surveys (such as MASW or HVSR analyses) data, typically available in such databases, will be tested in order to independently estimate and compare the values of the most relevant shallow geothermal parameters. Preliminary results indicate that higher values for thermal conductivity (&gt; 1.9 W∙m-1∙K-1) and volumetric heat capacity (&gt; 2.35 MJ∙m-3∙K-1) characterize the uppermost sector of the fluvial plain of the study area, especially those areas around San Severino Marche and the ridges corresponding to Treia and Pollenza, where the, respectively, carbonate and siliciclastic bedrocks occur at relatively shallow depths. The development of GSHEs for heating and cooling systems should be really regarded as an opportunity for the reconstruction of these areas hit by the 2016 earthquake.

SGI 2021

Defining the shallow geothermal potential by using the seismic microzonation data: a case study from the Southern Marche Region to encourage a sustainable post 2016-earthquake reconstruction

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INTERMAG 2021

The use of renewables is of paramount importance for sustainable development and economic growth. In this context, shallow ground-sourced heat exchangers (GSHEs) coupled with geothermal heat pumps represent a valuable opportunity for heating and cooling systems both in urban and rural areas. The regions of the Central Italy affected by the 2016 seismic sequence (Mmax 6.5), while involved in the post-earthquake reconstruction, could greatly benefit from the installation of GSHEs, which are environmental-friendly and with two peculiarities among the renewables: (i) continuous source of thermal energy and (ii) landscape protection (GSHEs are not visible). Here the focus is set on the evaluation of the shallow geothermal potential for the southern sectors of the Marche Region, with the aim of producing maps favouring the knowledge of the heat that could be extracted through GSHEs from different rocks of the subsoil. As a first pilot area we selected the upper-middle portion of the Potenza river fluvial plain to quantitatively estimate the values of key parameters such as the thermal conductivity, the volumetric heat capacity of the subsoil and the specific heat extraction. We followed the methods described in Taussi et al. (2021), thus averaging the geothermal parameters values over the first 100 meters, i.e. the most common depth of GSHEs. In order to assign the representative values for the shallow heat exchange parameters, the local stratigraphy was reconstructed on the basis of the surveys and data (mainly geognostic drillings) made available by the Civil Protection, thanks to the completion of the third level of the seismic microzonation studies. This freely accessible database might represent a valuable tool and source of information for such shallow geothermal studies in many different areas, and thus we recommend its use, given the relatively easy availability. In addition, the possibility (and the reliability) to use geophysical surveys (such as MASW or HVSR analyses) data, typically available in such databases, will be tested in order to independently estimate and compare the values of the most relevant shallow geothermal parameters. Preliminary results indicate that higher values for thermal conductivity (> 1.9 W∙m-1∙K-1) and volumetric heat capacity (> 2.35 MJ∙m-3∙K-1) characterize the uppermost sector of the fluvial plain of the study area, especially those areas around San Severino Marche and the ridges corresponding to Treia and Pollenza, where the, respectively, carbonate and siliciclastic bedrocks occur at relatively shallow depths. The development of GSHEs for heating and cooling systems should be really regarded as an opportunity for the reconstruction of these areas hit by the 2016 earthquake.

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L'Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e Geofisica Sperimentale - OGS e il Dipartimento di Matematica e Geoscienze dell'Università di Trieste sono orgogliosi di ospitare il 90° Congresso della Società Geologica Italiana a Trieste dal 14 al 16 settembre 2021. La modalità del congresso è interamente online.

Con il motto "Geologia senza frontiere" questo evento mira a promuovere le Scienze della Terra come disciplina scientifica proiettata nel futuro, oltre i confini geografici, politici e disciplinari, per comprendere meglio l'interno del Pianeta Terra e la struttura del sottosuolo, difendere la società da pericolosi eventi geologici, comprendere meglio la variabilità climatica, pianificare l'utilizzo delle georisorse in modo etico e nel rispetto dell'ambiente.


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The National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics - OGS and the Department of Mathematics and Geosciences of the University of Trieste are proud to host the 90th Congress of the Italian Geological Society in Trieste on 14-16 September 2021.  The Congress will be held entirely online.

With the motto "Geology Without Borders" this event aims to promote Earth Sciences as a scientific discipline projected into the future, beyond geographical, political and disciplinary boundaries, to better understand the interior of Planet Earth and the structure of the subsurface, defend society from dangerous geological events, better understand climatic variability, plan the use of geo-resources in an ethical way and respecting the environment.


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Earth Sciences should be understood not only as necessary for a better understanding of the interior of the planet Earth, but also as a defense of society from dangerous geological events, for the understanding of climatic variations, for the planning and use of georesources in a ethical and respecting and protecting the environment.

A major shortcoming of current thermodynamic databases for phase equilibrium calculations at deep mantle conditions is the lack of reliable, comprehensive and physically-consistent thermodynamic data of the constituent mineral phases. Some of the most popular thermodynamic databases (e.g. Holland & Powell, 2011) are calibrated overthe results of selected HT-HP experiments, which may suffer from uncertainties related to technical problems, pressure scale calibration, metastability issues or the unquenchable nature of some mantle minerals. This may lead in turn to assessed thermodynamic properties for mantle phases which may be internally-consistent but clearly suffer from physical unsoundness, thus hindering a close link between thermodynamic modelling, seismological observations and mantle geodynamics. In that sense, ab initio calculations based on quantum-mechanical theory are one of the most reliable methods available to obtain information on thermodynamics, phase relations and seismic properties of mineral phases at deep mantle conditions. The striking feature of the so-called density functional theory (DFT) is that it can accurately predict physico-chemical and thermodynamic properties of crystalline solids in a wide range of P–T conditions, without the need of any experimental data. We performed ab initio B3LYP calculations to determine thermodynamic and seismic properties of ringwoodite (ideal formula Mg2SiO4), which represents the stable polymorph of olivine in the lower part of the Earth’s mantle transition zone. Thermodynamic properties of ringwoodite that depend on vibrational frequencies (i.e., heat capacities, thermal expansion, isothermal bulk modulus, entropy, enthalpy, Gibbs free energy) have been computed in the framework of quasi-harmonic approximation by a full phonon dispersion calculation or, alternatively, by a modified Kieffer’s model splitting acoustic and optic contributions. Both methods reproduce well the vibrational density of states, allowing an accurate determination of the equation of state parameters and thermodynamic properties as well. The calculated heat capacity in the low- to medium-T range is in excellent agreement with the few calorimetric investigations made so far on this phase (Akaogi et al., 2007). The obtained results are then used to predict relevant phase equilibria of ringwoodite in the Earth’s deep mantle and to discuss some implications for mantle seismic discontinuities.

Towards an ab initio physically-consistent thermodynamic database for deep mantle phases: the case of Mg2SiO4 ringwoodite

Investigating the texture and chemistry of mantle xenoliths allow us to constrain the nature of the upper mantle, the mechanism that generate melts and the evolution of the lithosphere beneath regions where no samples were exposed by tectonic activity. Texture, as well as chemical composition and mineralogical paragenesis, reflects the temperature, pressure, stress conditions, melting and/or contamination events undergone before and during the entrapment in the host magma (Pearson et al., 2003). In particular, the distribution of glass pockets (blebs) and veins inside xenoliths, as well as the texture of silicate, oxide and sulphide phases seem to be important in understanding some aspects of mantle metasomatism (Coltorti et al., 2000; Hughes et al., 2016; Lenaz et al., 2017). Classic 2D thin section observation might overlook some textural and mineralogical features, like oriented distribution of some mineral phases, possible interconnection of glass pockets and veins, distribution and morphological features of accessory minerals like sulphides. Extending the textural analysis of mantle xenolith to three-dimensional scale is therefore a potentially powerful tool in petrography and petrology. By using a multi-scale 3D textural analysis through X-ray computed microtomography (micro-CT), we characterized three mantle xenoliths from different geodynamic settings (i.e. mobile belt zone, pericraton, oceanic hotspot). We used an approach structured in increasing steps of resolution, starting with conventional X-ray micro-CT imaging (voxel size: 30 mm) and moving on to phase-contrast synchrotron-based X-ray micro-CT to reach a voxel size of 0.9 mm. We performed several exercises to test the effectiveness of micro-CT imaging on textural characterization of mantle xenoliths, comparing the results with the observation of conventional optical microscopy. One of these exercises involve a model to simulate the random sectioning of several thin sections and estimate the probability of accurate modal classification. Furthermore, 3D models obtained allow us to collect several textural information that were impossible to determine in a 2D classification. For example, we identified: spinel layering in one sample (MG10x), presence of gas vesicles in glass of xenolith Bi4, and silicic glass scattered through sample FN38. Moreover, high-density volumes were detected in nodules MG10x and Bi4, showing no relation with the spinel layering in the first one and a preferential concentration along fractures in the latter one.

A comparative study between X-ray computed microtomography and thin sections observation of mantle xenoliths

The Mediterranean is one of the most complex convergent margins on Earth. Its recent tectonic history was characterized by the coexistence of different compressional and extensional phases associated with episodes of orogenesis, slab rollback, slab tearing and oceanic spreading. Since  the  late  1990s, numerous seismological studies have been carried out in the region aiming at imagining the isotropic and anisotropic structures of the upper mantle. Among the various imaging techniques, isotropic P-wave travel-time tomography was largely used. However, seismic anistropy is widespread throughout the Mediterranean area and neglecting its effects could introduce significant artefacts in the inversions that could bias our understanding of the Earth’s interior structure and dynamics. Here we discard the isotropic approximation and invert for both P-wave isotropic velocity anomalies and seismic anisotropic by using the method proposed by VanderBeek & Faccenda (2021). We find that the magnitude of the isotropic P-wave velocity anomalies are substantially reduced when inverting for seismic anisotropy. This suggests that lateral variations in temperature and/or composition are smaller that what can be inferred from isotropic tomographies. P-wave fast azimuths orient mostly parallel to the trend of the Balcanic and the Alpine orogens in Eastern and Central Europe, respectively. In the Central Mediterranean the P-wave fast azimuths are sub-parallel to the Oligocene/Miocene-to-present retreating direction of the Ionian trench which led to the opening of the Liguro-Provençal and Thyrrenian basins and rotation of the Corsica-Sardinia block. In synthesis, the pattern of the P-wave fast azimuths is largely consistent with the S-wave fast azimuths determined from the splitting of SKS waves and from Rayleigh waves. This poses further constraints on the interpretation of the regional geodynamic evolution and on the accuracy of the employed inverse method.

Teleseismic Anisotropic P-wave tomography of the Central Mediterranean

The Central Mediterranean region in the Tertiary was characterized by intermittent phases of subduction and collision, the opening of back-arc extensional basins (i.e., Liguro-Provençal, Alboran, and Tyrrhenian basins) and episodes of slab lateral tearing, segmentation and break-off that led to the currently complex geological setting. Although the shallow tectonic evolution of the region has been relatively well constrained by abundant geological data, several uncertainties persist about the mechanisms that generated the present-day surface morphology and deep slab geometry. In this study, we reproduce the recent large-scale evolution of the Central Mediterranean and the associated strain-induced upper mantle fabrics and seismic anisotropy combining geodynamic and seismological numerical modelling techniques. 3D petrological-thermo-mechanical numerical models have been carried out using the viscoplastic code I3MG (Gerya, 2019), to compute the LPO and the synthetic SKS splitting we use a modified version of D-REX (Kaminski et al., 2004) and the softwares package FSTRACK (Becker, 2006), respectively. The subduction models were designed and calibrated according to paleogeographic-tectonic reconstructions of 30 Ma and seismological observations from the Mediterranean region available in the literature. We test different initial configurations in order to optimize the fit between predicted and observed slabs position and obtain a final model configuration resembling the present-day surface and deeper structures. It is found that the opening of back-arc extensional basins in response to the south-eastward retreat of the Ionian slab is a common feature in all models and slab lateral tearing or break-off occurs when Adria continental margin enters the trench. More importantly, we show that structural heterogeneities within the Adria plate and/or the geometry of its Tyrrhenian passive margin have a profound impact on (i) the development of a slab window below the Central Apennines, (ii) the retreat of the Northern Apenninic trench till the Adriatic Sea, and (iii) the retreat of the Ionian slab till the present-day position. In general, this study highlights the importance of coupling macro-scale geodynamic modelling with micro-scale simulations of strain-induced upper mantle fabrics and seismological synthetics in order to better constrain the tectonic evolution of complex convergent margins such as the Central Mediterranean. 

Geodynamic and seismological modelling of the recent dynamics of the Central Mediterranean region

The southern Patagonian Andes (~46-56°S) are well suited to investigate the tectonic vs. climatic interactions during mountain building. Oceanic subduction underneath the South America continent occurs jointly with the opening of an asthenospheric window and, during the late Cenozoic, the building and melting of the Patagonian Icefields. Although the asthenospheric window caused regional dynamic uplift estimated in the order of the tenths of mm per year during the last 3 Ma, the present-day uplift rates in the orogenic domain subject to glaciation are measured between ~10-40 mm/yr. These uplift rates are to a large extent related to the glacial rebound since the Little Ice Age (~ AD 1630), but the role of rheological mantle and lithospheric weakening due to the asthenospheric window is currently unconstrained. Here we use numerical thermo-mechanical modeling to estimate the uplift induced by deglaciation of an ice sheet accounting for the rheological effects of asthenospheric thermal anomalies.  Our results show two main phases of rock uplift: 1) a rapid increase in the uplift rates below the ice sheet when deglaciation starts, and 2) stable positive uplift rates during the deglaciation. For any tested, plausible rheological setting, the maximum uplift rates is <10 mm/yr in the absence of an asthenospheric thermal anomaly, and >30 mm/yr with thermal anomalies higher than 100°C. The higher the asthenospheric thermal anomaly, the higher and wider the uplift rates, which may also involve initially ice-free regions. Uplift rates similar to those observed today require an asthenospheric thermal anomaly of 150-200°C. We conclude that, although the driver of the present-day uplift rates is the deglaciation, the asthenospheric window largely controls its outstanding magnitude.

The role of the asthenospheric window and deglaciation on the present-day uplift of the southern Patagonian Andes

We used the results of seismic anisotropy as inferred from shear wave splitting analyses of the core-refracted phases and combined them with the quasi-Love wave observations and geodetic measurements to propose a geodynamical model of the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone. A detailed analysis of the non-null splitting and null splitting measurements obtained from a dense temporary network is utilized to investigate the possibility of lateral and vertical variations in the anisotropic parameters and the hypothesis of a dipping anisotropic layer (Sadeghi-Bagherabadi, 2018a; 2018b). The preferred 2-D geodynamical model of the western part of the collision zone suggests that the belt-parallel orientation of fast axes in the western Zagros originates from a lithospheric transpressional deformation. The plate motion parallel pattern in central Iran and western Alborz coincides with the decrease in the lithospheric thickness. Thus, we believe this trend has its origin in the asthenosphere. A combination of the keel effect of the thickened Zagros lithosphere, the asthenospheric edge-driven convection flow and the lithospheric deformation in the shear zones can cause the NW-SE-oriented splitting pattern reported in some parts of central Iran. The asthenospheric flow beneath the thinner lithosphere to the south of the Bitlis suture in northern Iraq is likely the causative mechanism for our observed plate motion-parallel splittings there. The variation of the convergence obliquity along the Alborz and Zagros inferred from analysis of geodetic data implies that a change in the pattern of lithospheric deformation and the consequent anisotropy is expected. The quasi-Love wave observations also indicate that the fast-axis orientations are highly affected by the lateral variations of the LAB depth in the region. 

Seismic Anisotropy and Its Geodynamic Implications in Iran

Two different levels of magmatic differentiation have been found in the plumbing system of Mount Amiata geothermal field. With the aim to decipher the geometry and structure of the magmatic system feeding the geothermal field, we carried out a micro-textural petrography study, mineral chemistry analysis and thermobarometric cpx-liquid calculation (Masotta et al., 2013) of the Pleistocene lavas, domes and enclaves. The Pleistocene Mount Amiata volcano is part of the Radicofani – Mount Amiata volcanic system (Conticelli et al., 2011, 2015). The presence of rounded magmatic enclaves testifies the occurrence of a process in which the fresh mafic hot magma was injected into a cooler and mushy crystallised differentiated one, mixing and mingling with the latter (Ferrari et al., 1996; Conticelli et al., 2015; Marroni et al., 2015). The first arrival of mafic magma within the differentiated magma reservoir triggered the chemical mixing with the viscous and extremely differentiated trachydacitic resident magma to form magma batches with intermediate compositions. A reverse differentiation pathway is observed with time of magma emplacement, which is accompanied by decrease of silica contents and increase of MgO and compatible elements passing from early trachydacites to potassic trachybasalt (absarokite) (Conticelli et al., 2015). Our results support a scenario characterised by an initially intrusion of mafic silica-saturated potassic to calc-alkaline magmas that cumulated at depth and differentiated through crystal fractionation and minor crustal contamination. The magmatic system evolved from basaltic andesite to trachydacite, started from an intrusive event reconciled with the composition of the Radicofani calc-alkaline magma. The changes occurred in the source of magmas brought newly arrival mafic silca-undersaturated magmas which mixing and mingling. In depth basanite undergoes light processes of differentiation testified by the presence of Cr-diopside and fassaite (Huckenholz, 1973; Duda & Schmincke, 1985). 

Polybaric crystallisation and equilibrium conditions of Mount Amiata volcanic rocks, and their significance in the frame of magma evolution: insight from igneous mineral chemistry and microtexture petrography

One of the few near-complete continental crustal sections exposed on Earth's surface is the Ivrea-Verbano Zone (Western Alps, Italy), which is considered as a petro-geophysical reference of the continental lithosphere. Exposed peridotite slivers embedded in lower crustal rocks at the surface and large density, seismic velocity anomalies of the Ivrea Geophysical Body in the subsurface suggest that mantle-like rocks are located as shallow as a few kilometers depth, but the actual composition of the rocks producing these anomalies is unknown. Here we investigate how the published seismological and new gravimetric data in the location of Valsesia could be reconciled with petrologic data and models of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone. We use the Perple_X software to calculate densities and compressional wave velocities for a range of possible deep crustal rock types. We argue that amphibole gabbros (<18 km depth) and pyroxene hornblendites (>18 km depth) provide the best fit to the joint geophysical and petrologic constraints, whereas residual ultramafic rocks and anhydrous gabbros are inconsistent with the existing data. This indicates that the Ivrea Geophysical Body beneath the Valsesia area in the Ivrea- Verbano Zone preserves the structure of an igneous complex formed during magmatic underplating from the crystallization of hydrous mafic magmas. This would imply melting of a damp mantle source that produced a continental crust of an original thickness of up to ∼48 km in the Permian, of which ∼30 km are exposed at Earth's surface today.

Joint Geophysical-Petrological Modeling on the Ivrea Geophysical Body Beneath Valsesia, Italy: Constraints onthe Continental Lower Crust

Italy is the world's second-largest feldspar producer (3 million tons/year, 22% of total) and the world biggest importer (22% of global world trades) (European Commission). Since the strong demand is rapidly depleting the proven reserves in EU Member States, the EU ceramics sector is increasingly dependent on feldspar imports from Turkey. In the future, it will be necessary to find additional sources of feldspar or to further increase inter-continental transport. The ever-increasing demand for feldspar, for ceramics, glass and other industrial uses, therefore, requires the extraction of granite and considerable international trade flows. At present, Buddussò-Alà dei Sardi (Sardinia Region-Italy) is the most important granite production area in Italy, with 66 authorised quarries (12 active), 70% of regional granite production and more than 50% of total Italian production. However, granite mining activities cause serious environmental problems. In Italy, every year 350.000-400.000 m3 of raw granite are extracted (Lucarini et al, 2020) generating the same quantity of waste. Feldspar production and trade generate large amounts of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, due either to the energy consumption of mining activities or from the transport of the finished product from the exporting countries (mainly Turkey and China). The areas where quarries are active suffer from landscape degradation, due to incomplete compliance or non-compliance with quarry recovery plans, considering that opening new quarries is cheaper than moving large amounts of waste. Finally, granite mining accounts for huge amounts of soil consumption, as it requires large areas in which the quarry waste accumulates.

Recycling of granite scraps in Sardinia by innovative and economically-viable extraction technology in a context of circular economy

The realization of tunnels, boreholes or quarry drifts in evaporite terrains often brings to face issues related to the geological and physical peculiarities of these rocks. In particular, typical problems are caused by the swelling behaviour of anhydrite, the high solubility in water and the high heterogeneity of gypsum facies. All these problems are particularly evident in the framework of quarry exploitation: the stability of rock pillars in underground quarries requires dedicated investigations. This study proposes an analysis of the main parameters that may affect the stability of underground gypsum pillars, considering in particular the effect of material heterogeneity and relative humidity. With this aim, the study proposes an investigation of a strongly heterogeneous facies of gypsum from the Messinian Salinity Crisis (i.e. branching selenite facies from Monferrato area, NW Italy). The textural and microstructural heterogeneity of the material is described with different techniques (MIP and SEM analyses). The study then includes a series of ad hoc designed mechanical tests to quantify strength and creep in function of the relative humidity. Results show the clear influence of material heterogeneity on the mechanical response. To this intrinsic mechanical variability, the influence of an external parameter as the humidity is observed to generate an additional reduction of material strength and to increase the creep strain rate in the long term tests. The effect of all these elements in the framework of a real underground quarry site is eventually discussed.

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Towards an ab initio physically-consistent thermodynamic database for deep mantle phases: the case of Mg2SiO4 ringwoodite

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