Seismically triggered anomalies in the isotope signatures of mantle-derived gases detected at degassing sites along two neighboring faults in NW Bohemia, central Europe

Abstract

The Vogtland and NW Bohemia region is known for its earthquake swarms; the most intensive swarm since 1985/86 occurred in October 2008. To find further indications for the interaction of ascending mantle-derived fluids and the occurrence of earthquake swarms, detailed fortnightly studies of gas compositions (CO2, N2, Ar, He, H2, and CH 4) and isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N, and 3He/4He) were carried out between October 2008 and April 2011 at four locations close to the Nový Kostel focal zone and at the Wettinquelle spring (Bad Brambach). From the start of the 2008 earthquake swarm seismically induced isotope-geochemical anomalies were recorded at locations along the Počatky-Plesná fault zone (PPZ) and were, for the first time, also found at degassing locations on the Mariánské LáznÄ• fault zone (MLF). Variations were observed in both the temporal and spatial distributions of the anomalies as well in anomaly strengths, probably due to the positions of these fault zones relative to the focal zone, and to differences in fluid migration pathways. Prior to both the 2000 and 2008 swarms, 3He/4He ratios>6Ra were recorded at the Bublák mofette. These anomalous pre-seismic 3He/ 4He ratios suggest that both the 2000 and 2008 swarms may have been associated with the supply of fresh magma from a less degassed reservoir in the lithospheric mantle. The temporal δ13CCO2 pattern from detailed studies at Bublák between 2005 and 2011 indicates progressive magma degassing, as well as seismically induced variations in the δ13C, providing additional support to the interpretation derived from the 3He/4He ratios. Key Points Isotope anomalies detected in gases from different faults after earthquakes A pre-seismic increase in 3He/4He (> 6 Ra) indicates magma ascent from mantle Isotope monitoring is an excellent way to track active geodynamic processes ©2014. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.