Abstract
<p>The TOMO-ETNA experiment was devised to image of the crust underlying the volcanic edifice and, possibly, its plumbing system by using passive and active refraction/reflection seismic methods. This experiment included activities both on-land and offshore with the main objective of obtaining a new high-resolution seismic tomography to improve the knowledge of the crustal structures existing beneath the Etna volcano and northeast Sicily up to Aeolian Islands. The TOMO ETNA experiment was divided in two phases. The first phase started on June 15, 2014 and finalized on July 24, 2014, with the withdrawal of two removable seismic networks (a Short Period Network and a Broadband network composed by 80 and 20 stations respectively) deployed at Etna volcano and surrounding areas. During this first phase the oceanographic research vessel “Sarmiento de Gamboa” and the hydro-oceanographic vessel “Galatea” performed the offshore activities, which includes the deployment of ocean bottom seismometers (OBS), air-gun shooting for Wide Angle Seismic refraction (WAS), Multi-Channel Seismic (MCS) reflection surveys, magnetic surveys and ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) dives. This phase finished with the recovery of the short period seismic network. In the second phase the Broadband seismic network remained operative until October 28, 2014, and the R/V “Aegaeo” performed additional MCS surveys during November 19-27, 2014. Overall, the information deriving from TOMO-ETNA experiment could provide the answer to many uncertainties that have arisen while exploiting the large amount of data provided by the cutting-edge monitoring systems of Etna volcano and seismogenic area of eastern Sicily.</p>
Highlights
Etna and Aeolian Islands) and geodynamic setting still presents some shortcomings that the proposed seismic experiment might clarify
Etna and Campi Flegrei/Vesuvius volcanoes optimizing and integrating existing and new observation/monitoring systems, by a breakthrough in understanding of volcanic processes and by increasing the effectiveness of the coordination between science and end-user communities. Specific experiments, such as TOMO-ETNA have been carried out to improve the understanding of internal structure and dynamics of volcanoes
Etna volcano The volcano structure is surrounded by 3 main regional structures: i) to the north and westwards we find the Apenninic-Maghrebian Chain; ii) southwards appears the Hyblean Foreland that belongs to the African plate [Lentini et al 2006]; iii) to the east stands the Ionian Basin, which is an extensional basin originated during middle-late Mesozoic [Catalano et al 2001]
Summary
It is noteworthy that the geodynamic setting of the South Tyrrhenian - Calabrian Arc - Ionian Basin, which originates from the diachronic and fragmented convergence between the Eurasia and Africa plates, is one of the most intriguing worldwide areas In this framework the relationship between volcanism (i.e. Mt. Etna and Aeolian Islands) and geodynamic setting still presents some shortcomings that the proposed seismic experiment might clarify. Etna and Campi Flegrei/Vesuvius volcanoes (southern Italy) optimizing and integrating existing and new observation/monitoring systems, by a breakthrough in understanding of volcanic processes and by increasing the effectiveness of the coordination between science and end-user communities Specific experiments, such as TOMO-ETNA have been carried out to improve the understanding of internal structure and dynamics of volcanoes. The faults with morphological evidence may represent only a part of tectonic structures present in the Etnean area and hidden fault segments could be covered by the huge pile of volcanic products [e.g. Azzaro 1999]
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