Recent deep earthquake occurrence at Mt. Etna (Sicily, Italy)

The seismic activity of Mt. Etna from April 1988 until the December 1991 eruption was monitored by means of permanent and temporary seismic network. Volcanic activity that occurred during this period was preceded and accompanied by the occurrence of deep (Z >/- 15 km) seismicity. This deep seismic activity, occurring a few days up to some weeks before the volcanic phases, was characterized by typical mainshock-aftershocks sequences. Both the observation of deep seismicity occurrence also before or during previous eruptions and the role played by tectonics as controller of the magma uprise suggest the hypothesis of a relation between the seismic energy released in the volcanic basement and the recharge mechanisms of the volcanic system.