Bukumirovic, T., F. Italiano, and P.M. Nuccio, The evolution of a dynamic geological system: the support of a GIS for geochemical measurements at the fumarole field of Vulcano, Italy, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 79 (3-4), 253-263, 1997.

Abstract from Paper:

The island of Vulcano (Aeolian arc, Southern Italy) has displayed several periods of volcanic unrest since the end of the last eruption (1890), We report here results obtained from a long-term survey concerning variations of both the steam output and the exhaling surface area at the summit crater fumarolic field of La Fossa. The field measurements analysed in a Geographical Information System (GIS) show a highly dynamic volcanic system in which deep variations in the geochemistry and the temperature of the released fluids were accompanied by fluctuations in the mass output of steam and the topography of the crater field. The use of a GIS facilitated digitized reconstructions of maps of the crater field in addition to analysis of the steam flux data. The fumarolic field expanded its surface area from 50 m(2) in 1983 to more than 2400 m(2) in 1995, accompanied by an increase in steam output from 152 to about 1400 tonnes per day. The possibility that the observed phenomena are related to volcano-tectonic activity and to magma uprising is taken into consideration.

My Take:

Geology activity on the volcanic island of Vulcano in the Aeolian islands of Southern Italy has recently been on the rise.  Events have included increased fumarolic activity, fracture formation, seismic swarms, and landslides.  Bukumirovic et al. have used GIS to reconstruct maps of the fumarolic field of "La Fossa" from ten years of data recorded in that region.  The software used by the authors was ESRO Arc/Info workstation.  Furthermore, the authors used Arc/Info to make fumarolic steam output calculations bases on linking the nodes of the fumarole members in their georeferenced GIS project with a database containing the steam flux field measurements.  The authors found that their maps of the fumarolic field displayed a non-uniform distribution of fumaroles over the Vulcano crater, with an increasing exhalation activity towards the inner flank of the crater.  Therefore, the authors concluded that the fumarolic activity indicated a dependence on local tectonic structure.  The authors also concluded that the fumarolic activity has a significant correlation with episodes of volcanic unrest.