Abstract
The timely estimation of short- and long-term volcanic hazard relies on the availability of detailed 3D geophysical images of volcanic structures. High-resolution seismic models of the absorbing uppermost conduit systems and highly-heterogeneous shallowest volcanic layers, while particularly challenging to obtain, provide important data to locate feasible eruptive centers and forecast flank collapses and lava ascending paths. Here, we model the volcanic structures of Mt. Etna (Sicily, Italy) and its outskirts using the Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio method, generally applied to industrial and engineering settings. The integration of this technique with Web-based Geographic Information System improves precision during the acquisition phase. It also integrates geological and geophysical visualization of 3D surface and subsurface structures in a queryable environment representing their exact threedimensional geographic position, enhancing interpretation. The results show high-resolution 3D images of the shallowest volcanic and feeding systems, which complement (1) deeper seismic tomography imaging and (2) the results of recent remote sensing imaging. The study recovers a vertical structure that divides the pre-existing volcanic complexes of Ellittico and Cuvigghiuni. This could be interpreted as a transitional phase between the two systems. A comparison with recent remote sensing and geological results, however, shows that anomalies are generally related to volcano-tectonic structures active during the last 17 years. We infer that seismic noise measurements from miniaturized instruments, when combined with remote sensing techniques, represent an important resource to monitor volcanoes in unrest, reducing the risk of loss of human lives and instrumentation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 397-407 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research |
Volume | 347 |
Early online date | 16 Oct 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Nov 2017 |
Bibliographical note
We are very grateful to Professor G. Patane for the inspiration and financial support; S. La Delfa for assistance during the analysis. We also thank the Parco dell’Etna Staff who ensure the permission and regular support above the volcano. We would like to thank G. Vaccino and F. Zuccarello for the support during the field trip. Two anonymous reviewers provided comments that improved both the interpretation of the results and the clarity of the analyses. Finally, we are grateful to S. Castellaro, M. Neri, and G. Di Grazia for providing important methodological explanations, the DEM, and data of volcanic tremor during the period.Keywords
- Etna
- Seismic Imaging
- Volcano Imaging
- Instrumental developments
- GIS-based system
- HVSR