Volcano In Europe Research Articles

Metal speciation of volcanic aerosol from Mt. Etna under varying aerosol water content and pH obtained by different thermodynamic models

Mt. Etna, an open-vent, persistently degassing volcano, is the tallest and most active volcano in Europe. Aerosols from the summit (Bocca Nuova crater), downwind (about 10 km from the crater)...

Mineralogy and geochemistry of lavas from the submarine lower caldera walls of Santorini Volcano (Greece)

Santorini Volcano, located in the central sector of the South Aegean volcanic arc, is one of the most active and potentially dangerous volcanoes in Europe. It has hosted Plinian eruptions over the last 350 ka of which at least four eruptions were accompanied by caldera collapses. Even though Santorini Volcano is considered a major threat, the main focus of research, thus far, has been on the comparatively young and subaerial deposits, whereas older stages of volcanism have been poorly studied. Our study focusses on samples from the submarine inner caldera walls and gives new insights into the early evolutionary stages of Santorini Volcano, contributing to a better understanding of its eruptive history and thus potential risks. The submarine lava successions were sampled along the inner caldera wall by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) during R/V POSEIDON cruise 511 in 2017.The recovered lavas comprise two magmatic series, a low-K basaltic series overlain by a medium- to high-K series, which includes basaltic andesites, andesites and occasional dacites to trachytes. Major and trace element compositions and mineral zonation patterns suggest that fractional crystallisation and periodic magma replenishment were the dominant processes controlling magma evolution of both magmatic series. In addition, repeated magma mixing events played an important role, as indicated by zonation patterns in plagioclase and clinopyroxene ante- and phenocrysts. The thickness of the submarine lava successions (≥100 m) and the occurrence of similarly zoned plagioclase throughout indicate long-lived magma plumbing systems characterised by repeated differentiation and magma mixing. Furthermore, the incompatible element and radiogenic isotope ratios indicate a heterogeneous mantle source for Santorini magmas, which reflects the relative contribution of subduction (sedimentary) input and mantle wedge influx. A lava sample from the northern submarine caldera wall probably represents a deep level of the original Peristeria volcano. 40Ar/39Ar dating of andesite lavas from the southern submarine caldera produced ages of ~255 ka, whereas one basalt lava produced an age of 309 ± 30 ka. Interestingly, the new ages of both groups fall within an age gap in the volcanic history of Santorini Volcano. Even though it was not possible to unequivocally correlate the sampled submarine lava series to known subaerial units, the major and trace element compositions, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions of our intermediate lavas show a strong similarity to subaerial lavas of Peristeria volcano, the second oldest major stage of Santorini volcanism. It however seems more likely that we have sampled a thus far unknown stage of volcanism at Santorini Volcano.

New Insights Into the Recent Magma Dynamics Under Campi Flegrei Caldera (Italy) From Petrological and Geochemical Evidence

AbstractThe Campi Flegrei caldera is considered the most dangerous volcano in Europe and is currently in a new phase of unrest (started in 2000 and still ongoing) that has persisted intermittently for several decades (main crisis occurred from 1950 to 1952, 1970–1972, and 1982–1984). Here, by combining the petrological and geochemical data collected in recent decades with numerical simulations, we place new constraints on the source(s) of the current dynamics of the volcano. In particular, we show that the measured (N2‐He‐CO2) geochemical changes at the fumaroles of Solfatara hydrothermal site are the result of massive (about 3 km3) magma degassing in the deep portion (≥200 MPa, 8 km of depth) of the plumbing system. This degassing mechanism would be able to flood the overlying hydrothermal system with hot gas, thus heating and fracturing the upper crust inducing shallow seismicity and deformation. This implies that the deep magma transfer process (≥8 km) has been decoupled from the source of deformation and seismicity, localized in the first kilometers (0–4 km) of caldera‐filling rocks. This information on magma transfer depth can have important implications for defining the best monitoring strategies and for forecasting a future eruption. Finally, this study highlights how petrological and geochemical data allow us to explore the dynamics of the deep portion of the plumbing system and thus trace the occurrence of recharge episodes, in a portion of the ductile lower crust where magma transfer occurs in the absence of earthquakes.

Trends in Vessel Atmospheric Emissions in the Central Mediterranean over the Last 10 Years and during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Giordan Lighthouse, located on the island of Gozo in the Malta-Sicily Channel within the central Mediterranean region, is ideally located to study the primary sources of atmospheric pollution. A total of 10 years of data have been accumulated from the reactive gas and greenhouse gas detectors and the aerosol analyzers found at this Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) regional station. The data has been evaluated, resulting in trends in emissions from shipping recorded within the same region coming to the fore. The other source of emissions that was evident within the recorded data originated from Mt. Etna, located on the island of Sicily and representing the highest active volcano in Europe. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of ship emissions on trace gases and aerosol background measurements at Giordan Lighthouse, including the putative influence of COVID-19 on the same emissions. The model used to evaluate ship emissions was the Ship Traffic Emission Assessment Model (STEAM). From trace gas measurements at Giordan Lighthouse, a slowly decreasing trend in sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions was noted. To better understand the air quality results obtained, the STEAM model was fed, as an input, an Automatic Identification System (AIS) dataset to describe the vessel activity in the area concerned. This study also investigates the effects of the COVID19 pandemic on marine traffic patterns within the area and any corresponding changes in the air quality. Such an analysis was carried out through the use of SENTINEL 5 data.

Synthesis of zeolite from volcanic ash: Characterization and application for cesium removal

Abstract Mt. Etna, the largest volcano in Europe, is periodically interested by intensive eruption activity sometimes causing environmental problems for the neighbouring urban areas such as Catania. The volcanic ash deposited on the roads is classified as waste (code 20 03 03 – municipal waste from European Waste Catalogue - EWC). In this work, with the aim to transform waste materials into useful product, two samples of ashes resulting from different explosive activities were treated by hydrothermal aging with distilled water and seawater. The results showed that the hydrothermal process determined mineralogical and magnetic changes in volcanic ashes. The data in fact indicated that X-type zeolite and sodalite were formed at 45, 60 and 70 °C of aging temperature. Moreover, magnetic characterization suggests an evolution of ferromagnetic materials to antiferromagnetic ones during zeolite formation. The presence of these new magnetic phases was responsible for the variety of magnetic behaviour. The applicability of obtained zeolite as novel adsorbent material in the field of water treatment was also evaluated. Batch adsorption experiments were carried to assert the adsorption capacity of novel synthetized zeolite in removing cesium ions from aqueous solutions thus confirming a possible End-of-Waste alternative.

Vascular plant species diversity of Mt. Etna (Sicily): endemicity, insularity and spatial patterns along the altitudinal gradient of the highest active volcano in Europe.

BackgroundAltitudinal variation in vascular plant richness and endemism is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity. Territories featured by a high species richness may have a low number of endemic species, but not necessarily in a coherent pattern. The main aim of our research is to perform an in-depth survey on the distribution patterns of vascular plant species richness and endemism along the elevation gradient of Mt. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe.MethodsWe used all the available data (literature, herbarium and seed collections), plus hundreds of original (G Giusso, P Minissale, S Sciandrello, pers. obs., 2010–2020) on the occurrence of the Etna plant species. Mt. Etna (highest peak at 3,328 mt a.s.l.) was divided into 33 belts 100 m wide and the species richness of each altitudinal range was calculated as the total number of species per interval. In order to identify areas with high plant conservation priority, 29 narrow endemic species (EE) were investigated through hot spot analysis using the “Optimized Hot Spot Analysis” tool available in the ESRI ArcGIS software package.ResultsOverall against a floristic richness of about 1,055 taxa, 92 taxa are endemic, of which 29 taxa are exclusive (EE) of Mt. Etna, 27 endemic of Sicily (ES) and 35 taxa endemic of Italy (EI). Plant species richness slowly grows up to 1,000 m, then decreases with increasing altitude, while endemic richness shows an increasing percentage incidence along the altitudinal gradient (attributed to the increased isolation of higher elevation). The highest endemic richness is recorded from 2,000 up to 2,800 m a.s.l., while the highest narrow endemic richness (EE) ranges from 2,500 up to 2,800 m a.s.l. Life-form patterns clearly change along altitudinal gradient. In regard to the life-form of the endemics, the most represented are the hemicryptophytes, annual plants (therophytes) are prevailing at lower altitudes and show a decreasing trend with increasing elevation, while chamaephytes are featured by an increasing trend up to 3,100 m of altitude. Furthermore, the results of the hotspot analysis emphasize the high plant conservation priority areas localized in oro-mediterranean (1,800–2,400 m s.l.m.) and cryo-mediterranean (2,400–2,800 m) bioclimatic belts, in correspondence of the oldest substrates of the volcano.ConclusionsHigh plant speciation rate caused by increasing isolation with elevation is the most plausible explanation for the largest active volcano in Europe. The high degree of endemic species on Mt. Etna is linked to its geographical, geological and climatic isolation, all important drivers of speciation acting on the population gene flows. The hot spot map obtained represents a useful support for help environmental decision makers to identify priority areas for plant conservation.

Slab Detachment, Mantle Flow, and Crustal Collision in Eastern Sicily (Southern Italy): Implications on Mount Etna Volcanism

AbstractNew data and interpretations of the geodynamics of eastern Sicily point to deep crustal shortening taking place in the area. Reconstructions of the lithospheric system, seismicity distribution, and stress state in the crust indicate that deformation is expressed by a large thrust‐ramp cutting through the entire lower plate. The tectonic structure is propagating directly beneath the Mount Etna volcano, one of the few active volcanoes in Europe. Geostructural interpretation of tomographic sections allows for interpretations of the compressional structure as originating in response to trench‐parallel breakoff of the Ionian slab. Following the simple assumption that if a slab retreats, it must either be compensated or alternatively pushed by the fore‐arc mantle, we argue that the opening of a gateway in the slab has encouraged the fore‐arc mantle to flow toward the Mount Etna region. Mantle mobilization has had a twofold influence on both magmatic source mixing and the inception of underplating processes beneath the Mount Etna. A shortening prevailing over extension in the crust below the volcano seems to have a significant impact on the dynamics of the Mount Etna volcanic system, which manifested through anomalous signals over the last thousands of years. Since a tectonic inversion of previous dilatational magma pathways is expected in such a converging setting, the documented variations are believed to be consistent with a volcano experiencing a declining phase. Comparison with other extinct volcanic systems in the southern Tyrrhenian margin, lying atop a detached slab and involved in contraction, provides insights into the evolution of Mount Etna.

Tephra Mass Eruption Rate From Ground-Based X-Band and L-Band Microwave Radars During the November 23, 2013, Etna Paroxysm

The morning of November 23, 2013, a lava fountain formed from the New South-East Crater (NSEC) of Mt. Etna (Italy), one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. The explosive activity was observed from two ground-based radars, the X-band polarimetric scanning and the L-band Doppler fixed-pointing, as well as from a thermal-infrared camera. Taking advantage of the capability of the microwave radars to probe the volcanic plume and extending the volcanic ash radar retrieval (VARR) methodology, we estimate the mass eruption rate (MER) using three main techniques, namely surface-flux approach (SFA), mass continuity-based approach (MCA), and top-plume approach (TPA), as well as provide a quantitative evaluation of their uncertainty. Estimated exit velocities are between 160 and 230 m/s in the paroxysmal phase. The intercomparison between the SFA, MCA, and TPA methods, in terms of retrieved MER, shows a fairly good consistency with values up to $2.4\times 10^{6}$ kg/s. The estimated total erupted mass (TEM) is $3.8\times 10^{9}$ , $3.9\times 10^{9}$ , and $4.7\times 10^{9}$ kg for SFA with L-band, X-band, and thermal-infrared camera, respectively. Estimated TEM is between $1.7\times 10^{9}$ kg and $4.3\times 10^{9}$ for TPA methods and $3.9\times 10^{9}$ kg for the MCA technique. The SFA, MCA, and TPA results for TEM are in fairly good agreement with independent evaluations derived from ground collection of tephra deposit and estimated to be between $1.3\,\,\pm \,\,1.1\times 10^{9}$ and $5.7\times 10^{9}$ kg. This article shows that complementary strategies of ground-based remote sensing systems can provide an accurate real-time monitoring of a volcanic explosive activity.

Three‐Dimensional Modeling of Mount Etna Volcano: Volume Assessment, Trend of Eruption Rates, and Geodynamic Significance

Abstract3‐D modeling of Mount Etna, the largest and most active volcano in Europe, has for the first time enabled acquiring new information on the volumes of products emitted during the volcanic phases that have formed Mount Etna and particularly during the last 60 ka, an issue previously not fully addressed. Volumes emitted over time allow determining the trend of eruption rates during the volcano's lifetime, also highlighting a drastic increase of emitted products in the last 15 ka. The comparison of Mount Etna's eruption rates with those of other volcanic systems in different geodynamic frameworks worldwide revealed that since 60 ka ago, eruption rates have reached a value near to that of oceanic‐arc volcanic systems, although Mount Etna is considered a continental rift strato‐volcano. This finding agrees well with previous studies on a possible transition of Mount Etna's magmatic source from plume‐related to island‐arc related. As suggested by tomographic studies, trench‐parallel breakoff of the Ionian slab has occurred north of Mount Etna. Slab gateway formation right between the Aeolian magmatic province and the Mount Etna area probably induced a previously softened and fluid‐enriched suprasubduction mantle wedge to flow toward the volcano with consequent magmatic source mixing.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in the sandhopper Talitrus saltator (Montagu) from the Ionian sandy coasts of Sicily

The Ionian beaches of Sicily are of particular ecological interest because they include the basin of the largest active volcano in Europe and hosts both sites subject to natural protection constraints, as well as important industrial settlements. Consequently, the possibilities for these areas to become polluted are numerous.The sandhopper Talitrus saltator has proven to be a good bioindicator of contamination by numerous trace metals on some European coasts. Nevertheless, no data are available for the populations inhabiting the shores of the southern Mediterranean. Now, as metal accumulation has been shown to vary intraspecifically, the aim of this study was to evaluate trace metal accumulation in adults of T. saltator inhabiting Ionian coastal areas of Sicily and make an assessment of natural and anthropogenic metal pollution of this strip of coast. We also extended our survey to As, Co, Mo, Se, Sn and V never investigated before in this species.Significant differences in metal concentration among sites were found in both sand samples and amphipod tissues. The highest metal content was observed near the mouth of Simeto, the longest river of Sicily which collects waters coming from the volcanic territory of Mount Etna. The bioaccumulation of Cd, Cu, Hg and Zn in T. saltator is fully confirmed; it is also proven for As and Mo and assumed for Cr, Fe, Mn and V.Our outcomes let us to evaluate the prevailing influence of telluric contamination of the Ionian sandy shores of Sicily by trace metals. We also come to the conclusion that in the northern sites, pollution originates from volcanic emission while anthropogenic influence prevails in the southern ones.

The epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the Mount Etna region: a possible pathogenic role of volcanogenic metals.

Trace elements (TEs) may play a role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and volcanic degassing is the major natural source of TEs. Mount Etna, in the province of Catania, is the largest active volcano in Europe. Our aim was to assess the incidence of ALS in the province of Catania during 2005-2010 and its spatial distribution with respect to volcanic gas deposition. Cases from all neurological centres of the province of Catania and of the boundary provinces were retrospectively collected. Patients who had onset during 2005-2010 and fulfilled the El Escorial revised diagnostic criteria were included. The incidence of ALS was estimated for the entire province and separately for the population living on the eastern and western flank of Mount Etna, respectively, the most and least exposed areas to volcanogenic TEs, considered as a possible risk factor for ALS. One hundred and twenty-six (57 men) ALS patients were enrolled. The mean annual crude incidence rate was 2.0/100 000 person-years (95% confidence interval 1.7-2.4). A higher incidence rate was found in the population living on the eastern flank compared to the western flank (2.4/100 000 and 0.9/100 000 respectively) with a relative risk of 2.75 (95% confidence interval 1.64-4.89; P < 0.001). The incidence of ALS in the province of Catania is close to those reported worldwide. The incidence was higher amongst the population living on the eastern flank of Mount Etna, which could be interpreted as a possible role of volcanogenic TEs. Further research on TEs and genetic factors is necessary to support this assumption.

The limits of seaward spreading and slope instability at the continental margin offshore Mt Etna, imaged by high-resolution 2D seismic data

Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe. Instability of its eastern flank is well documented onshore, and continuously monitored by geodetic and InSAR measurements. Little is known, however, about the offshore extension of the eastern volcano flank, defining a serious shortcoming in stability models. In order to better constrain the active tectonics of the continental margin offshore the eastern flank of the volcano, we acquired a new high-resolution 2D reflection seismic dataset. The data provide new insights into the heterogeneous geology and tectonics at the continental margin offshore Mt Etna. The submarine realm is characterized by different blocks, which are controlled by local- and regional tectonics. A compressional regime is found at the toe of the continental margin, which is bound to a complex basin system. Both, the clear link between on- and offshore tectonic structures as well as the compressional regime at the easternmost flank edge, indicate a continental margin gravitational collapse as well as spreading to be present at Mt Etna. Moreover, we find evidence for the offshore southern boundary of the moving flank, which is identified as a right lateral oblique fault north of Catania Canyon. Our findings suggest a coupled volcano edifice/continental margin instability at Mt Etna, demonstrating first order linkage between on- and offshore tectonic processes.

Qualitative and nutraceutical aspects of lemon fruits grown on the mountainsides of the Mount Etna: A first step for a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication application of the brand name ‘Limone dell'Etna’

The cultivation of lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm f.) has occurred for centuries at the mountainsides of the Mount Etna the largest active volcano in Europe (Sicily, Italy). The peculiar geographical, soil and climatic conditions that characterize this area have recently prompted citrus growers to launch the brand name ‘Limone dell'Etna’ for the lemon fruits produced in that area. The present research focused on evaluating the quality and nutraceutical properties of the ‘Limone dell'Etna’ fruit juice (‘Primofiore’, ‘Bianchetto’, and ‘Verdello’ blooming) to enhance the value of a product that, due to its peculiar qualities, could be awarded with one of the European certified labels protecting the lemon geographical origin. Qualitative parameters, health-promoting components (such as ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids) and the in-vitro total antioxidant capacity (ORAC, FCR) of fruit juice of two different varieties (‘Femminello zagara bianca’ and ‘Monachello’) were determined at fruit maturity. The results showed that the Bianchetto and Verdello lemon fruit exhibited higher levels of ascorbic acid than those recorded for the Primofiore production. The amount of flavonoids in Verdello fruits of both cultivars was the highest, as was reflected in the highest antioxidant activity. Thus, the ‘Limone dell'Etna’ production, with particular reference to the Verdello fruit, must be considered as a new, valuable and original source of natural antioxidants to be valorized and even exploited in the processing industry.

A retrospective study on acute health effects due to volcanic ash exposure during the eruption of Mount Etna (Sicily) in 2002

Background: Mount Etna, located in the eastern part of Sicily (Italy), is the highest and most active volcano in Europe. During the sustained eruption that occurred in October-November 2002 huge amounts of volcanic ash fell on a densely populated area south-east of Mount Etna in Catania province. The volcanic ash fall caused extensive damage to infrastructure utilities and distress in the exposed population. This retrospective study evaluates whether or not there was an association between ash fall and acute health effects in exposed local communities. Methods: We collected the number and type of visits to the emergency department (ED) for diseases that could be related to volcanic ash exposure in public hospitals of the Province of Catania between October 20 and November 7, 2002. We compared the magnitude of differences in ED visits between the ash exposure period in 2002 and the same period of the previous year 2001. Results: We observed a significant increase of ED visits for acute respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and ocular disturbances during the ash exposure time period. Conclusions: There was a positive association between exposure to volcanic ash from the 2002 eruption of Mount Etna and acute health effects in the Catania residents. This study documents the need for public health preparedness and response initiatives to protect nearby populations from exposure to ash fall from future eruptions of Mount Etna.

A retrospective study on acute health effects due to volcanic ash exposure during the eruption of Mount Etna (Sicily) in 2002

BackgroundMount Etna, located in the eastern part of Sicily (Italy), is the highest and most active volcano in Europe. During the sustained eruption that occurred in October-November 2002 huge amounts of volcanic ash fell on a densely populated area south-east of Mount Etna in Catania province. The volcanic ash fall caused extensive damage to infrastructure utilities and distress in the exposed population. This retrospective study evaluates whether or not there was an association between ash fall and acute health effects in exposed local communities.MethodsWe collected the number and type of visits to the emergency department (ED) for diseases that could be related to volcanic ash exposure in public hospitals of the Province of Catania between October 20 and November 7, 2002. We compared the magnitude of differences in ED visits between the ash exposure period in 2002 and the same period of the previous year 2001.ResultsWe observed a significant increase of ED visits for acute respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and ocular disturbances during the ash exposure time period.ConclusionsThere was a positive association between exposure to volcanic ash from the 2002 eruption of Mount Etna and acute health effects in the Catania residents. This study documents the need for public health preparedness and response initiatives to protect nearby populations from exposure to ash fall from future eruptions of Mount Etna.

Comparison between the humic acids characteristics of two andisols of different age by: FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy and py-FIMS

Mt Etna (Italy) is the highest, active volcano in Europe. Thanks to the availability of descriptive documents and maps, it is possible to date the formation of several Etna soils. We evaluated the effect of soil formation age on the composition of the soil organic matter (SOM) and humic acids (HAs) from two Etna andisols of different ages but having the same vegetation (Castanea saliva) and pedogenetic substrate (tephra). The characterization of the SOM and the HAs was carried out by elementary and functional group analysis, UV-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) and 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopies, and Pyrolysis-Field Ionization Mass Spectrometry (py-FIMS). Data showed that the age of the soil cannot be considered as influencing the chemical composition of the SOM. However higher volatilisation temperatures, for some compound classes, indicate the presence of more thermally-stable, organic molecules, therefore a more mature organic matter, or an organic component more greatly bound to the mineral component in the older soil. Finally the HA extracted from old soil contains a lower quantity of aliphatic compounds and a greater quantity of carbohydrate and aromatic molecules than the HA extracted from young soil.

Retrospective validation of a lava-flow hazard map for Mount Etna volcano

This report presents a retrospective methodology to validate a long-term hazard map related to lava-flow invasion at Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe. A lava-flow hazard map provides the probability that a specific point will be affected by potential destructive volcanic processes over the time period considered. We constructed this lava-flow hazard map for Mount Etna volcano through the identification of the emission regions with the highest probabilities of eruptive vents and through characterization of the event types for the numerical simulations and the computation of the eruptive probabilities. Numerical simulations of lava-flow paths were carried out using the MAGFLOW cellular automata model. To validate the methodology developed, a hazard map was built by considering only the eruptions that occurred at Mount Etna before 1981. On the basis of the probability of coverage by lava flows, the map was divided into ten classes, and two fitting scores were calculated to measure the overlap between the hazard classes and the actual shapes of the lava flows that occurred after 1981.

Defining high-detail hazard maps by a cellular automata approach: application to Mount Etna (Italy)

The individuation of areas that are more likely to be affected by new events in volcanic regions is of fundamental relevance for the mitigation of the possible consequences, both in terms of loss of human life and material properties. Here, we describe a methodology for defining flexible high-detail lava-hazard maps and a technique for the validation of the results obtained. The methodology relies on: (i) an accurate analysis of the past behavior of the volcano; (ii) a new version of the SCIARA model for lava-flow simulation (based on the macroscopic cellular automata paradigm); and (iii) high-performance parallel computing for increasing computational efficiency. The new release of the SCIARA model introduces a Bingham-like rheology as part of the minimization algorithm of the differences for the determination of outflows from a generic cell, and an improved approach to lava cooling. The method is here applied to Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, and applications to land-use planning and hazard mitigation are presented.

Review of historical earthquakes and survey of active faults in the San Leonardello Graben area, Mt. Etna (Sicily)

Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe, grown by accumulationof lavas and pyroclastics erupted by numerous vents during the last 180 kyr. It is locatedalong the Ionian coast of Sicily, on the margin of two main structural domains: theApennine-Maghrebian Chain to the north and the Hyblaean Foreland to the south. Whileeastern Sicily is characterized by a general uplift, the sector bounded by the North-East Rift and the Pernicana Fault northward, and by the Montagnola-Aci Castello FaultSystem toward SW is lowering; three more fault systems are active in the eastern sectorof Etna: i) the Giardini-Mascali Fault System (NE–SW and NNE–SSW trends); ii) theRipa della Naca-Piedimonte Fault System (NE–SW trend); iii) the Timpe Fault System(NNW–SSE trend). In historical times, the Giardini-Mascali Fault System was activeonly in 1847, while the Ripa della Naca-Piedimonte Fault System was active before andduring the 1865, 1928 and 1971 eruptions.Several earthquakes have occurred along the Timpe Fault System from 1805 to present.The analysis of seismological data and volcanic activity shows that the Timpe FaultSystem is the most active of the eastern flank of Etna. The most important faults of thissystem are the Moscarello, San Leonardello and Macchia-Stazzo Faults forming the SanLeonardello Graben. Shallow earthquakes occur along these faults, frequently causingsurface fractures. In this paper we analyze historical records of earthquakes strongerthan VII degree EMS-98. Macroseismic data are available since 1805. The epicentersare located along the northernmost segment of the faults. Along these faults offsets aremainly vertical with the maximum value of 80 cm recorded along the Moscarello Faultafter the 1911 Fondo Macchia Earthquake.

Geological map of Mount Etna West Rift (Italy)

Please click here to download the map associated with this article. Mt Etna (3340 m a.s.l.) is the most active volcano in Europe, with more than 500 ka of geological history. In this work, a detailed structural and geological field survey of its West Rift was performed at 1:10,000 scale, by using lithostratigraphic criteria and unconformity-bounded units, in accordance with guidelines suggested by the International Stratigraphic Guide. In the studied area, lithostratigraphic units have been mapped and the eruptive fissure configuration identified. Fieldwork data were improved by highresolution orthoimages and DEM analysis, producing a map with detailed lava flow boundaries. In order to synthesize the main phases of the West Rift evolution, lithostratigraphic units were grouped into synthems. The volcanic succession starts with the oldest Etna subaerial lava flows (Adrano Synthem), unconformably covered by lavas belonging to Acireale and Concazze Synthems. Mongibello volcanic succession (Il Piano Synthem) widely crops out in the area as several superposed lava flow fields. They are generated by more than 40 eruptive fissures in the past 15,000 years forming the core of the West Rift. The eruptive fissures (strike 245° to 280°) fed several monogenetic cones located in the central sector of the western flank. Some fissures were formed in the last 2,000 years. The result of this work is a geological map at 1:15,000 scale, highlighting the geological and structural setting of the area and significantly improving the knowledge of West Rift evolution, in order to better assess the entire eruptive history and structural framework of Mt Etna.