Radioactivity measurements in volcano-tectonic area for geodynamic process study

In the last ten years we carried out several radioactivity investigations in the aetnean area, a peculiar site characterized by both tectonic and volcanic features. In particular, continuous measurements in-soil radon gas carried out from 2001 until 2006 in the eastern flank of Mt. Etna, while several volcanic events occurred, showed a possible correlation between radon concentration and geodynamic activity, in particular magma uprising. We report in particular on the survey performed in order to determine vertical radon concentration profiles at different depths in sites near active faults in order to extract radon diffusion coefficients for the different sites. Moreover laboratory analysis allowed determining radionuclide contents (via gamma-spectroscopy) and radon exhalation rate (via Can-technique) for different rock samples from the monitored sites. This study represents a contribution to better define the radon transport process through fractured media, in particular in volcanic area.