Comparison of Integrated Geodetic Data Models and Satellite Radar Interferograms to Infer Magma Storage During the 19911993 Mt. Etna Eruption

Abstract

We compare the results obtained from the modelling of EDM, GPS, levelling and tilt data measured in the first part of the 19911993 eruption at Etna to the InSAR data acquired during the second part. The geodetic changes are very marked in the first half of the eruption and constrain a deflation source located at a few kilometers of depth ( 3 km b.s.l.), in agreement with other independent geophysical evidence. SAR data, available during the second part of the eruption, were analysed for different time intervals in the second part of the eruption. The interpretation of SAR interferograms reveals a large-scale but less marked deflation of the volcano that could be caused by a deeper source. This second source is in accord with a second deeper anomaly revealed by recent seismic investigations. The combination of geodetic data modelling and SAR images suggests a complex plumbing system composed at least of two possible storage regions located at different depths.