Carbon dioxide concentration in moffets
A joined research of the Babes-Bolyai University and Comandau Forrest Management Directorate (Ocolul Silvic Comandau)Abstract
The present project targets the monitoring of the focused carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) emanation in an abandoned mofette in the vicinity of the Vrancea seismic zone. Carbon dioxide emission studies are part of today’s mainstream research due to the crucial role played by this gas in climate change processes. The contribution of geogenic \(CO_2\) to the global carbon cycle and atmospheric balance is studied mostly by estimating the influx through diffuse soil degassing. A much less studied aspect is the focused emanations from volcanic vents. Such \(CO_2\)-monitoring studies are also conducted in seismology. Starting from the premise that stress accumulation and release leading to earthquakes influence the storage and movement of fluids in Earth’s crust, researchers consider modulations in crust-crossing fluid fluxes and compositions as possible earthquake precursor signals. The Vrancea seismic zone in Romania is one of the most promising test sites for such an endeavor, due to its clearly defined and well-known seismic volume, recurrent activity and high-quality seismic monitoring network. A low cost experimental remote monitoring system is planned and will be implemented in an abandoned mofette in order to obtain a real-time information about the variation of \(CO_2\) fluxes. The project involves pioneering technical innovations and besides the scientific novelty and technical relevance it has socio-economic benefits as well due to the medical applications of mofettes and potential correlations with seismic activity. A large amount of data will be remotely sampled and will be made publicly reachable for all kind of statistical studies. The constructed experimental device can be used in the future for the remote monitoring of other volcanic vents as well.
Cooperation agreement with the Covasna Forestry Department
First prototype (proof of concept) device installation
Installed first prototype device
Real time experimental data
The occasional (this only occurs when the humidity is high) jumps in the measured temperature and carbon dioxide concentration are caused by condensing water, which interferes with the operation of the sensors. We still work to prevent measurement disturbances caused by precipitating moisture. 
Previous data
The present team
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