2020-2025_Natural Gas Seepage in Rome (DTA.AD003.517)

Thematic area

Earth system science and environmental technologies

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute of environmental geology and geoengineering (IGAG)

Project manager

GIANCARLO CIOTOLI
Phone number: 3295758370
Email: giancarlo.ciotoli@igag.cnr.it

Abstract

Surface manifestations of petroleum and gas represent a geological process, called "seepage", and has a wide range of scientific, economic, historical and environmental implications.Seepage indicates the presence of faults and pressurized fluids at depth.It is a source of greenhouse-gas for the atmosphere, and may represent hazard for people and buildings.Gas seepage had a peculiar role in ancient cultures, driving mythological legends and religious traditions.Petroleum and gas seepage has been historically documented in Rome ("fons olei") and in the Tiber delta along the Tyrrhenian coast.Roman legends and chronicles report gas and oil emissions associated with religious practices and the successive construction of Christian churches.Recent drilling for building construction led to the discovery of gas emanations in several sites in Rome and along the Tiber valley down to the Tiber Delta around the Fiumicino international airport.The presence of hydrocarbons in boreholes, or in the soil along the Tiber valley around Rome, has already been verified by geological studies.The occurrence of natural gas in the deep rocks underlying Rome is therefore very likely.It needs to be confirmed.

Goals

We plan to carry out field surveys to detect gas seepage within selected urban and sub-urban areas of Rome.The results can be used to optimize the management and access constraints in certain underground hypogea.The discovery of gas emanations could have relevant impact on the interpretation of some archaeological structures, historic and legendary events of ancient Rome.The knowledge of gas occurrence and migration within the Rome geological basement will have a considerable scientific value.The work will include measurements of CH4 and CO2 in the soil, natural springs and, if possible, within subterranean caves (Mythraic temples, associated with water sources and sacred sites).Gas may accumulate in hypogea resulting in degradation of air quality with potential risk for visiting people and workers.The possibility of performing underground surveys will depend on collaborations with authorized speleologists, special permissions from local authorities. Gases will be detected using portable sensors and gas samples will be analysed in specialised laboratories for determining its origin by isotopic analysis.Gas seepage data will be interpreted with reference to the location of faults.

Start date of activity

01/01/2020

Keywords

Gas Seepage, Greenhouse gases, faults

Last update: 12/03/2025