3-D density model of Mt. Etna Volcano (Southern Italy)

Abstract

A detailed density model of Mt. Etna and its surrounding areas has been evaluated using a 3-D inversion of the gravimetric data acquired in the 1980's. Several high-density and low-density bodies are found, penetrating from shallow depths as far down as 12 km bsl. A positive correlation (in terms of location, extent, density, and velocity) is established between several anomalies of the density model and features identified in previously published seismic tomographies. A prominent high-density body extending down to 7 km bsl is recognized in the southern part of the Valle del Bove, and interpreted as a solidified magmatic intrusion. On the western boundary of this anomaly, a low-density body is interpreted as a bubble and liquid magma mixture. Outside the central area, three other high-density anomalies are imaged and attributed to the earliest phases of volcanic activity in the area. Several interesting low-density anomalies are also identified and correlated with known fault lines and other structural features of the region.