A carbon-rich lithospheric mantle as a source for the large CO2 emissions of Etna volcano (Italy)

Abstract Etna volcano in Italy releases an exceptional amount of CO2 (9083 t/day) and contributes to 10% global volcanic emission. The reasons for its extreme degassing are not yet understood. Using high-precision high field strength element (HFSE) concentrations magmas from volcanoes southern Italy, we show that the Nb/Ta (up 26) reveals a mantle source affected by carbonatite metasomatism, which is likely responsible large fluxes. As observed at Etna, carbon-rich domains influence also outside continental rifts therefore play fundamental role explaining fluxes different geodynamic settings. Collectively, our study demonstrates HFSE ratios magmatic rocks viable tracers carbon can be used present-day settings and, possibly, past emissions.