Publication Date:
2017-04-04
Description:
Between 2007 and early 2008, the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia
(INGV) monitoring networks on Etna volcano recorded a recharging phase that climaxed
with a new effusive eruption on 13 May 2008 and lasted about 14 months. A dike‐forming
intrusion was accompanied by a violent seismic swarm, with more than 230 events
recorded in the first 6 h, the largest being ML = 3.9. In the meanwhile, marked ground
deformation was recorded by the permanent tilt and GPS networks, and sudden changes in
the summit area were detected by five continuously recording magnetic stations. Poor
weather conditions did not allow direct observation of the eruptive events, but important
information was provided by infrared satellite images that detected the start of lava
fountains from the eruptive fissure, feeding a lava flow. This flow spread within the Valle
del Bove depression, covering 6.4 km on the southeastern flank of the volcano in a few
hours. The seismicity and deformation pattern indicated that the dike‐forming intrusion
was propagating northward. It produced a dry fracture field, which generated concern for
the possibility that the eruptive fissures could expand downslope toward populated areas.
Monitoring and modeling of the multidisciplinary data, together with the simulations of
ash dispersal and lava flows, allowed us both to infer the eruptive mechanisms and to
provide correct interpretation of the ongoing phenomena, furnishing useful information for
civil defense purposes. We describe how this approach of feedback between monitoring
and research provides critical support to risk evaluation.
Description:
We wish to thank all our colleagues from
INGV Sezione di Catania for data collection, for the maintenance of the
monitoring networks during the whole eruption, and for the many discussions
about the interpretation of the eruptive events; the Etna Guides, the
Funivia dell’Etna, and especially Alfio Mazzaglia and Nino Mazzaglia
for the prompt information pertaining any news about the summit eruptive
activity at Mount Etna; the Italian Civil Defense (DPC) for the close and
efficient collaboration built up during the last height years of activity at
Etna and other Sicilian volcanoes. We obtained MODIS data from NASA
and SEVIRI data from EUMETSAT. We are indebted to Paul Davis for his
B03203 BONACCORSO ET AL.: ETNA MULTIDISCIPLINARY HAZARD ASSESSMENT B03203
17 of 19
positive and encouraging comments. We thank the Associate Editor
Michael P. Ryan, who helped greatly in improving the form of the manuscript.
This study was undertaken with partial financial support from the
INGV‐DPC 2007–2009 Agreement. Scientific papers funded by DPC do
not represent its official opinion and politics. We thank Stephen Conway
for revising the English language of this manuscript.
Description:
Published
Description:
B03203
Description:
1.5. TTC - Sorveglianza dell'attività eruttiva dei vulcani
Description:
JCR Journal
Description:
reserved
Keywords:
Etna
;
effusive eruption
;
hazard evaluation
;
04. Solid Earth::04.08. Volcanology::04.08.06. Volcano monitoring
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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