A new simulation tool for automatic dilute and dense gas dispersion modelling

The emission of volcanic gases can occur both during volcanic eruptions and in quiescent stages of the volcanic activity. This process can affect the air quality in the areas downwind; in fact, many gas species can be a threat to human health and even life at concentrations and doses above species-specific thresholds. Gas emissions can be of different types, the two main categories being dilute passive degassing and heavy gas flow. The former occurs when the gas concentration is low and/or temperature is high, hence its density is lower than the atmospheric density; the latter takes place when the gas density is higher than the atmosphere and the gas accumulates onto the ground and may flow as a gravity current more or less affected by the wind. Examples of the first and second types of emissions are fumaroles and limnic explosions, respectively.