Using dense seismo-acoustic network to provide timely warning of the 2019 paroxysmal Stromboli eruptions

C. Pilger,L. Ceranna,B. Hernandez,G. Lacanna,P. Hereil,V. Souty,A. Dupont,C. Listowski,J. Vergoz,A. Le Pichon,G. Mazet-Roux,E. Marchetti

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-93942-x

Abstract

Stromboli Volcano is well known for its persistent explosive activity. On July 3rd and August 28th 2019, two paroxysmal explosions occurred, generating an eruptive column that quickly rose up to 5 km above sea level. Both events were detected by advanced local monitoring networks operated by Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) and Laboratorio di Geofisica Sperimentale of the University of Firenze (LGS-UNIFI). Signals were also recorded by the Italian national seismic network at a range of hundreds of kilometres and by infrasonic arrays up to distances of 3700 km. Using state-of-the-art propagation modeling, we identify the various seismic and infrasound phases that are used for precise timing of the eruptions. We highlight the advantage of dense regional seismo-acoustic networks to enhance volcanic signal detection in poorly monitored regions, to provide timely warning of eruptions and reliable source amplitude estimate to Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAAC).

Highlights

Stromboli Volcano is well known for its persistent explosive activity
Stromboli is located in the area of responsibility of the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAAC), which includes a large part of Europe and Africa
At the time of the July 3rd and August 28th eruptions, easterly stratospheric wind flow prevailed at 30–60 km altitude and favored westward stratospheric propagation

Summary

Introduction

On July 3rd and August 28th 2019, two paroxysmal explosions occurred, generating an eruptive column that quickly rose up to 5 km above sea level Both events were detected by advanced local monitoring networks operated by Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) and Laboratorio di Geofisica Sperimentale of the University of Firenze (LGS-UNIFI). On December 2002, a subaerial 11.6 M m3 and submarine 9.5 M m3 landslide at S tromboli[18,19] triggered a tsunami wave that locally reached a height of 10 m, impacted the other Aeolian islands, and reached coastal regions of Southern I taly[17,20] Another risk associated with explosive eruptions is related to the emission of volcanic ash in the atmosphere. The collapse of the eruptive columns produced pyroclastic flows along the Sciara del Fuoco that entered the sea and triggered local tsunamis that reached wave heights of 1 m27

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Conclusion