Changing Eruptive Styles at the South-East Crater of Mount Etna: Implications for Assessing Lava Flow Hazards

A significant shift in the eruptive style of Mount Etna's South-East Crater (SEC) since 2011 has been identified, marked by longer and more voluminous lava flows that pose increased hazards to tourist facilities. Analyzing 154 well-documented eruptions from 1998 to 2018, researchers found a cumulative lava volume of approximately 135 million cubic meters, with an average output rate of 0.21 m³/s. This change has led to a revised hazard map covering around 15 km², extending down to altitudes as low as 1,500 meters above sea level. The study highlights the need for updated hazard assessments and territorial planning to mitigate risks in at-risk areas.

Cappello, A., Ganci, G., Bilotta, G., Corradino, C., Hérault, A., & Del Negro, C. (2019). Changing Eruptive Styles at the South-East Crater of Mount Etna: Implications for Assessing Lava Flow Hazards. Frontiers in Earth Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2019.00213