Source mechanism of long-period events recorded by a high-density seismic network during the 2008 eruption on Mount Etna

During Mount Etna's 2008 eruption, long-period (LP) seismic events were linked to two distinct crack mechanisms striking SW-NE, dipping at 70°SE and 50°NW respectively. These cracks, aligned with local tectonics, suggest a response to the May 10 lava fountain rather than the subsequent flank lava flow. The study used unconstrained moment tensor inversions for reliable source mechanism solutions, followed by constrained inversions to determine crack orientations accurately. High-density seismic station proximity was crucial for minimizing velocity model uncertainties and ensuring robust results.

De Barros, L., Lokmer, I., Bean, C. J., O’Brien, G. S., Saccorotti, G., Métaxian, J.-P., Zuccarello, L., & Patanè, D. (2011). Source mechanism of long-period events recorded by a high-density seismic network during the 2008 eruption on Mount Etna. Journal of Geophysical Research, 116(B1). https://doi.org/10.1029/2010jb007629