Magma, faults, and gravitational loading at Mount Etna: The 2002–2003 eruptive period

A numerical model reveals that gravitational loading of Mount Etna's volcanic edifice opposes magmatic intrusions, contributing to up to 10% of the overall deformation pattern during the 2002–2003 eruption. The study also identifies the Pernicana fault as having a very low apparent coefficient of friction (<0.1), influencing the volcano's kinematics. Additionally, medium heterogeneities were found to favor eastern flank movements and summit spreading, playing a crucial role in magma ascent. The model, which accounts for topography, crustal discontinuities, and material properties, aligns with GPS and seismological data but highlights discrepancies suggesting regional-tectonic influences, such as the Acireale–S. Alfio fault system.

Aloisi, M., Mattia, M., Monaco, C., & Pulvirenti, F. (2011). Magma, faults, and gravitational loading at Mount Etna: The 2002–2003 eruptive period. Journal of Geophysical Research, 116(B5). https://doi.org/10.1029/2010jb007909