Advances in VT earthquake locations at Mt Etna using new 3D velocity and attenuation models

Abstract

In the last decade, several seismological studies of Mt Etna’s structure have been carried out using different tomographic techniques. The overall findings have provided valuable insights into the behavior of the volcano, as well as providing important information to model its dynamics during eruptions. In this paper we discuss the state of the art in recent studies, together with addressing their assumptions and limitations. Herein, we present new velocity and attenuation models by analyzing the seismicity preceding, and accompanying, the 2002-2003 flank eruption. The improvement in structural resolution from the increased number of seismic stations and quality of data are highlighted. Moreover, VP, VP/VS and QP are interpreted, thereby providing valuable constraints to the plumbing system of the volcano. Finally, we provide an improved description of the spatial distribution of the seismicity through accurate hypocentral locations obtained by applying the NonLinLoc probabilistic approach (Lomax et al., 2000) and the new 3D velocity model. All the studies carried out in the framework of the present project have led to important results and providing valuable and innovative tools for the future forecasting of Mt Etna volcanic activity and the mitigation of volcanic risk.