Structural architecture releasing deep-sourced carbon dioxide diffuse degassing at the Caviahue – Copahue Volcanic Complex

Abstract

The link between carbon dioxide diffuse degassing and its structural control was examined in the Caviahue – Copahue Volcanic Complex, over an area of approximately 10 km 2 that encompasses five hydrothermal sites, namely, Anfiteatro, Copahue town, Las Maquinitas I, Las Maquinitas II and Las Máquinas. Both geochemical and structural approaches were applied in order to investigate the structural scenario releasing hydrothermal fluids in this area. Also, the first isotopic analysis of soil CO 2 degassing in the Andean region is presented. The geochemical analysis shows well-defined CO 2 diffuse degassing structures in Copahue town, Las Maquinitas I, Las Maquinitas II and Las Máquinas hydrothermal sites. Soil diffuse CO 2 is fed by multiple sources: a deep, magmatic – hydrothermal, source, a biogenic source and a mixed source. The structural analysis indicates the presence of an extensional regime that gives place to three structural trends, consisting of NE-SW trending normal faults, NW-SE sinistral strike-slip faults and ENE-WSW right lateral strike-slip faults. The comparison between diffuse degassing structures directions and faults directions suggests that there is a structural control on diffuse degassing. Diffuse CO 2 is released through an early extensional setting, and it is emitted through normal faults, strike-slip faults and through areas with higher structural damage, such as relay areas between fault segments and terminations of individual fault segments.