Patterns in the recent 2007–2008 activity of Mount Etna volcano investigated by integrated geophysical and geochemical observations

A study on Mount Etna's 2007–2008 activity reveals distinct patterns linking seismic, deformation, and geochemical observations to eruptive episodes at the Southeast Crater (SEC). Each eruption was preceded by a cyclic increase and decrease in CO₂/SO₂ ratios in the volcanic gas plume and summit inflation, indicating persistent supply of CO₂-rich gas bubbles and primitive magmas to a shallow magma storage zone. Overpressuring in this zone triggers magma ascent, captured as increased tremor amplitude, upward and eastward migration of seismic tremor sources, and rapid summit contraction. Declining CO₂/SO₂ ratios also anticipated resumed SEC activity, suggesting magma degassing diversion toward the crater. The research integrates seismic (volcanic tremor, long-period seismicity), deformation (GPS), and geochemical measurements to interpret Etna's dynamics, offering insights for volcanic risk assessment.

Aiuppa, A., Cannata, A., Cannavò, F., Di Grazia, G., Ferrari, F., Giudice, G., Gurrieri, S., Liuzzo, M., Mattia, M., Montalto, P., Patanè, D., & Puglisi, G. (2010). Patterns in the recent 2007–2008 activity of Mount Etna volcano investigated by integrated geophysical and geochemical observations. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 11(9). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1029/2010gc003168