Publication Date:
2020-02-26
Description:
We present results from a mini ‐ array of three iGrav superconducting gravimeters (SGs) at
Mount Etna. This is the fi rst network of SGs ever installed on an active volcano. Continuous gravity
measurements at active volcanoes are mostly accomplished with spring gravimeters that can be operated
even under harsh fi eld conditions. Nevertheless, these instruments do not provide reliable continuous
measurements over periods longer than a few days due to the instrumental drift and artifacts driven by
ambient parameters. SGs are free from these instrumental effects and thus allow to track even small gravity
changes (1 – 2 μ Gal) over a wide range of time scales (minutes to months). However, SGs need host facilities
with main electricity and a large installation surface, implying that they cannot be deployed in close
proximity to the active structures of tall volcanoes. At Mount Etna the three iGrav SGs were installed at
distances from the summit active craters ranging between 3.5 and 15 km. Despite the relatively unfavorable
position of the installation sites, we show that these instruments can detect meaningful (i.e., volcano ‐ related)
changes that would otherwise remain hidden, like, for example, the weak gravity signature (within a few
μ Gal) of gas buildup at intermediate depth in the plumbing system of Etna, during noneruptive intervals.
Our results prove that iGrav SGs are powerful tools to monitor and study active volcanoes and can provide
unique information on the bulk processes driving volcanic activity.
Description:
Published
Description:
4035-4050
Description:
5V. Processi eruttivi e post-eruttivi
Description:
JCR Journal
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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