Rizzo, E.

We conducted geophysical–geochemical measurements on a ∼2 kmN–S profile cutting across the Pernicana Fault, one of the most active tectonic features on the NE flank of Mt. Etna. The profile passes from the unstable E flank of the volcano (to the south) to the stable N flank and significant fluctuations in electrical resistivity, self-potential, and soil gas emissions (CO2, Rn and Th) are found. The detailed multidisciplinary analysis reveals a complex interplay between the structural setting, uprising hydrothermal fluids, meteoric fluids percolating downwards, ground permeability, and surface topography. In particular, the recovered fluid circulation model highlights that the southern sector is heavily fractured and faulted, allowing the formation of convective hydrothermal cells. Although the existence of a hydrothermal system in a volcanic area does not surprise, these results have great implications in terms of flank dynamics at Mt. Etna. Indeed, the hydrothermal activity, interacting with the Pernicana Fault activity, could enhance the flank instability. Our approach should be further extended along the full extent of the boundary between the stable and unstable sectors of Etna for a better evaluation of the geohazard in this active tectonic area.

Electric resistivity tomography (ERT), self-potential (SP), soil CO2 flux, and temperature are used to study the inner structure of La Fossa cone (Vulcano, Aeolian Islands). Nine profiles were performed across the cone with a measurement spacing of 20 m. The crater rims of La Fossa cone are underlined by sharp horizontal resistivity contrasts. SP, CO2 flux, and temperature anomalies underline these boundaries which we interpret as structural limits associated to preferential circulation of fluids. The Pietre Cotte crater and Gran Cratere crater enclose the main hydrothermal system, identified at the centre of the edifice on the base of low electrical resistivity values (b20 Ω m) and strong CO2 degassing, SP, and temperature anomalies. In the periphery, the hydrothermal activity is also visible along structural boundaries such as the Punte Nere, Forgia Vecchia, and Palizzi crater rims and at the base of the cone, on the southern side of the edifice, along a fault attributed to the NW main tectonic trend of the island. Inside the Punte Nere crater, the ERT sections show an electrical resistive body that we interpret as an intrusion or a dome. This magmatic body is reconstructed in 3D using the available ERT profiles. Its shape and position, with respect to the Pietre Cotte crater fault, allows replacing this structure in the chronology of the development of the volcano. It corresponds to a late phase of activity of the Punte Nere edifice. Considering the position of the SP, soil CO2 flux, and temperature maxima and the repartition of conductive zones related to hydrothermal circulation with respect to the main structural features, La Fossa cone could be considered as a relevant example of the strong influence of preexisting structures on hydrothermal fluid circulation at the scale of a volcanic edifice.