Continuous tracking of volcanic tremor at Mount Etna, Italy

Abstract

Using data from two dense array of short period seismometers, we analyse the kinematic properties of volcanic tremor preceding and accompanying the 2004–2005 eruption of Etna Volcano, Italy. Results from slowness analyses indicate the action of at least two distinct sources. The first dominates the pre-eruptive period, and is likely associated with the main plumbing system feeding the Summit and southeast craters. Following the onset of the eruption, secondary directions of wave-arrival encompass the eruptive fissures, located on the lower eastern flank of the southeast crater. Nonetheless, significant energy radiation from this latter source was also occurring prior to the onset of the lava effusion, likely suggesting the presence of a resident magma batch, in agreement with independent petrologic and geochemical data.