Magma dynamics in the shallow plumbing system of Mt. Etna as recorded by compositional variations in volcanics of recent summit activity (1995–1999)

Abstract

We describe the reactivation and the successive evolution of the shallow plumbing system of Mt. Etna between the end of the largest flank eruption of the last three centuries (1991–1993) and the subterminal eruption from South-East Crater (SEC), which occurred between February and mid-November 1999. Our analysis is based on observations of the volcanic activity and petrological studies of the erupted volcanics. Bulk rock, mineral and glass compositions have been determined for more than 80 samples erupted from the four summit craters between October 1995 and February 1999. These data allow us to recognise significant compositional variations among the products of different craters. In particular, volcanics produced between 1995 and 1999 by Bocca Nuova (BN), Voragine (VOR) and North-East Crater (NEC) show limited compositional variations and are similar to those observed during recent eruptions (e.g., 1991–93). More primitive magmas have been produced during the more vigorous fire fountains episodes. On the contrary, the South-East Crater produced slightly more differentiated volcanics than those of the other summit craters following its reactivation (November 1996) until the end of 1998. Whole rock compositions of products from this crater show low CaO/Al2O3, whereas interstitial glasses have lower MgO and higher alkali contents than those from the other craters. However, since the beginning of 1999, and just before the start of the subterminal eruption from SEC, the volcanics erupted from this crater progressively changed in composition, becoming similar to those of the other craters. This trend indicates that within the conduits of the summit craters, distinct thermal and fluid-dynamical regimes can evolve, controlling the cooling and crystallisation of Etna magmas.