In situ Permeability Measurements Based on a Radial Gas Advection Model: Relationships Between Soil Permeability and Diffuse CO2 Degassing in Volcanic Areas

摘要

In this paper we have developed a new method for measuring in situ soil permeability, which is based on the theory of radial gas advection through an isotropic porous medium. The method was tested in the laboratory and at several locations on the island of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy). It consists of a special device which generates a gas source at a depth of 50 cm and it permits measurement of the relative induced pressure in nearby soil at different depths. The characteristic error of the method was less than 10%.