Coupling Flank Collapse and Magma Dynamics on Stratovolcanoes: The Mt. Etna Example from InSAR and GNSS Observations

Volcano ground deformation is a tricky puzzle in which different phenomena contribute
to the surface displacements with different spatial–temporal patterns. We documented some high
variable deformation patterns in response to the different volcanic and seismic activities occurring
at Mt. Etna through the January 2015–March 2021 period by exploiting an extensive dataset of GNSS
and InSAR observations. The most spectacular pattern is the superfast seaward motion of the
eastern flank. We also observed that rare flank motion reversal indicates that the short‐term
contraction of the volcano occasionally overcomes the gravity‐controlled sliding of the eastern flank.
Conversely, fast dike intrusion led to the acceleration of the sliding flank, which could potentially
evolve into sudden collapses, fault creep, and seismic release, increasing the hazard. A better
comprehension of these interactions can be of relevance for addressing short‐term scenarios,
yielding a tentative forecasting of the quantity of magma accumulating within the plumbing system.