Mount Etna and the 1971 eruption - The summit of Mount Etna prior to the 1971 eruptions

1973 ◽  
Vol 274 (1238) ◽  
pp. 63-78 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mount Etna ◽  
Fissure Zone ◽  
Magma Column ◽  
Deep Pit ◽  
Constant Rate ◽  
Central Crater ◽  
Mt Etna

The summit cone of Mt Etna is cut by an approximately NNE-SSW trending, narrow fissure zone that controls much of the terminal activity of this volcano. Within the central crater, which lies at the top of the summit cone, there are two main vents alined on this fissure zone: the chasm, a deep pit; and the 1964 crater. Both of these vents were blocked before 1971. The NE crater first opened in 1911 on the lower slopes of the summit cone on the same fissure zone, and has had an open conduit from which lava has been erupted at a constant rate from 1966 to the beginning of the 1971 eruption. In 1968 a small gas bocca known as the Bocca Nuova opened near a fissure that had previously erupted lavas in 1956. The Bocca Nuova collapsed in early 1970 to give a 100 m wide crater. It is suggested that collapse resulted from movement of magma at depth into the 1956 fissure causing sudden lowering in the magma column below the Bocca, and that continued migration of magma into the fissure eventually lead to the eruption of April 1971, the site of this eruption being in line with the fissure. A rise in temperature of fumaroles at the edge of the central crater after the Bocca Nuova collapse is attributed to this incursion of magma across the crater.

Mount Etna and the 1971 eruption - Some consideration on the magma of the 1971 eruption

1973 ◽  
Vol 274 (1238) ◽  
pp. 37-43 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mount Etna ◽  
Magma Column ◽  
Mt Etna

Lava samples, collected periodically during the 1971 eruption of Mt Etna, have been analysed. A certain evolution of their composition has been observed: the first lavas are phonolitic tephrites, while the last ones are mugearites. This evolution can be explained by assuming a pneumatolytic differentiation in the uppermost parts of the magma column and a subtraction of femic phenocrysts by gravitational differentiation in its deeper parts, where the last products originated. Furthermore, the analyses of the 1971 lavas are compared with all available data of ancient products of this complex volcano and, particularly, with those of its historical eruptions.

Mount Etna and the 1971 eruption - Structural implications of the 1971 Mount Etna eruption

1973 ◽  
Vol 274 (1238) ◽  
pp. 79-82 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fault Zone ◽  
Lava Flows ◽  
Mount Etna ◽  
Fault System ◽  
Persistent Activity ◽  
Tectonic Fault ◽  
Magma Column ◽  
Mt Etna

The author believes the 1971 eruption has been triggered by an uprise of the magma column which had for several decades fed the persistent activity located in both the NE crater and in the central crater’s chasm. This uprise split open a set of en-echelon fissures first on the southern, then on the eastern upper slopes of Mt Etna. Degassing occurred at the uppermost part of the successive fissure systems, while the degassed lava flows poured out at the lowermost end. When the ENE tectonic fault-system came into operation and controlled the second half of the eruption, it led to the engulfment of the degassing vent and subsequently acted as an undergound channel through which the degassed lavas could flow freely until they poured out at the lower end of the fault zone. This fault zone follows one of the main tectonic trends which intersect below Mt Etna, the main other ones being oriented SW-NE and WSW—ENE.

Chemical-physical constraints of the 2015 eruptive activity of Mt. Etna: new insights from thermo-barometry and geochemistry of olivine-hosted melt inclusions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pier Paolo Giacomoni ◽  
Federico Casetta ◽  
Virginia Valenti ◽  
Carmelo Ferlito ◽  
Gabriele Lanzafame ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Melt Inclusions ◽  
New South ◽  
Basalt Magma ◽  
Feeding System ◽  
Physical Constraints ◽  
Eruptive Event ◽  
North East ◽  
Central Crater ◽  
Mt Etna ◽  
Crystallization Conditions

<p>The concomitant activation off all four summit craters of Mt. Etna during the December 2015 eruptive event allow us to investigate the chemical-physical crystallization conditions and magma dynamics in the shallower portion of the open-conduit feeding system. In this study, we discuss new petrological, geochemical and thermo-barometric data as well as the composition of major element and volatile content (H<sub>2</sub>O, CO<sub>2</sub>, F, Cl and S) of olivine-hosted melt inclusions from the explosive and effusive products emitted during the December 2015 eruptive event.</p><p>Results and rhyolite-MELTS thermodynamic modelling of mineral phase stability highlight the relatively shallow crystal equilibrium depth prior to the eruption ranging from 400-500 MPa for Central Crater and North East Crater, up to 200 MPa below the New South East Crater. The study of high-pressure and high-temperature homogenized olivine-hosted melt inclusions allowed us to identify the composition of the almost primary alkali-basalt magma (11.8 wt% MgO) containing up to 4.9 wt% and 8151 ppm of H<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2 </sub>respectively. The results, together with those already reported for the previous paroxystic events of the 2011-2012 (Giacomoni et al., 2018), reinforce the model of a vertically extended feeding system and highlight that the activity at the New South East Crater was fed by a magma residing at significant shallower depth with respect to Central Craters and North East Crater, although all conduits are fed by a common deep (P = 530-440 MPa) basic magmatic refilling. Plagioclase stability model and dissolution and resorption textures confirm its dependence on H<sub>2</sub>O content, thus suggesting that further studies on the effect that flushing from fluids with different H<sub>2</sub>O/CO<sub>2</sub> ratio are needed in order to understand the eruption triggering mechanisms of paroxystic fountaining.</p><p> </p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>Giacomoni P., Coltorti M., Mollo S., Ferlito C., Braiato M., Scarlato P. 2018. The 2011-2012 paroxysmal eruptions at Mt. Etna volcano: Insights on the vertically zoned plumbing system. JVGR 349, 370-391.</p>

Deploying and operating an Absolute Quantum Gravimeter on the summit of Mount Etna volcano

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Carbone ◽  
Laura Antoni-Micollier ◽  
Filippo Greco ◽  
Jean Lautier-Gaud ◽  
Danilo Contrafatto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Volcanic Tremor ◽  
Mount Etna ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Etna Volcano ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Absolute Gravimetry ◽  
Superconducting Gravimeters ◽  
Mt Etna ◽  
Absolute Quantum

<p>The NEWTON-g project [1] proposes a paradigm shift in terrain gravimetry to overcome the limitations imposed by currently available instrumentation. The project targets the development of an innovative gravity imager and the field-test of the new instrumentation through the deployment at Mount Etna volcano (Italy). The gravity imager consists in an array of MEMS-based relative gravimeters anchored on an Absolute Quantum Gravimeter [2].<br>The Absolute Quantum Gravimeter (AQG) is an industry-grade gravimeter measuring g with laser-cooled atoms [3]. Within the NEWTON-g project, an enhanced version of the AQG (AQGB03) has been developed, which is able to produce high-quality data against strong volcanic tremor at the installation site.<br>After reviewing the key principles of the AQG, we present the deployment of the AQGB03 at the Pizzi Deneri (PDN) Volcanological Observatory (North flank of Mt. Etna; 2800 m elevation; 2.5 km from the summit active craters), which was completed in summer 2020. We then show the demonstrated measurement performances of the AQG, in terms of sensitivity and stability. In particular, we report on a reproducible sensitivity to gravity at a level of 1 μGal, even during intense volcanic activity.<br>We also discuss how the time series acquired by AQGB03 at PDN compares with measurements from superconducting gravimeters already installed at Mount Etna. In particular, the significant  correlation with gravity data collected at sites 5 to 9 km away from PDN proves that effects due to bulk mass sources, likely related to volcanic processes, are predominant over possible local and/or instrumental artifacts.<br>This work demonstrates the feasibility to operate a free-falling quantum gravimeter in the field, both as a transportable turn-key device and as a drift-free monitoring device, able to provide high-quality continuous measurements under harsh environmental conditions. It paves the way to a wider use of absolute gravimetry for geophysical monitoring.</p><p>[1] www.newton-g.com</p><p>[2] D. Carbone et al., “The NEWTON-g Gravity Imager: Toward New Paradigms for Terrain Gravimetry”, Front. Earth Sci. 8:573396 (2020)</p><p>[3] V. Ménoret et al., "Gravity measurements below 10−9 g with a transportable absolute quantum gravimeter", Nature Scientific Reports, vol. 8, 12300 (2018)</p>

scholarly journals Quantification of the depletion of ozone in the plume of Mount Etna

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 23639-23680 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Surl ◽  
D. Donohoue ◽  
A. Aiuppa ◽  
N. Bobrowski ◽  
R. von Glasow
Keyword(s):  
Strong Dependence ◽  
Source Region ◽  
Mount Etna ◽  
Volcanic Plumes ◽  
Processing Times ◽  
Atmospheric Processing ◽  
Constant Rate ◽  
Halogen Chemistry ◽  
Reactive Halogen Species ◽  
Halogen Species

Abstract. Volcanoes are an important source of inorganic halogen species into the atmosphere. Chemical processing of these species generates oxidised, highly reactive, halogen species which catalyse considerable O3 destruction within volcanic plumes. A campaign of ground-based in situ O3, SO2 and meteorology measurements was undertaken at the summit of Mount Etna volcano in July–August 2012. At the same time, spectroscopic measurements were made of BrO and SO2 columns in the plume downwind. Depletions of O3 were seen at all in-plume measurement locations, with average O3 depletions ranging from 11–35 nmol mol−1 (15–45%). Atmospheric processing times of the plume were estimated to be between 1 and 4 min. A 1-D numerical model of early plume evolution was also used. It was found that in the early plume O3 was destroyed at an approximately constant rate relative to an inert plume tracer. This is ascribed to reactive halogen chemistry, and the data suggests the majority of the reactive halogen that destroys O3 in the early plume is generated within the crater, including a substantial proportion generated in a high-temperature "effective source region" immediately after emission. The model could approximately reproduce the main measured features of the O3 chemistry. Model results show a strong dependence of the near-vent bromine chemistry on the presence or absence of volcanic NOx emissions and suggest that near-vent O3 measurements can be used as a qualitative indicator of NOx emission.

Mount Etna and the 1971 eruption - Recent trends in the study of Etna

1973 ◽  
Vol 274 (1238) ◽  
pp. 17-35 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
The Other ◽  
Mount Etna ◽  
Axial Region ◽  
Alkali Basalts ◽  
Volcanic Province ◽  
Complex Sequence ◽  
Basaltic Magmas ◽  
Mt Etna ◽  
Recent Trends

Etna is the most recent and northernmost part of the volcanic province of SE Sicily. It is located north of a fast subsiding recent depression (Catania Plain) in the axial region of an isostatically rising broad anticline trending E-W. This structure has been cut by a belt of regional faults parallel to the coast between Catania and Messina, with an overall seaward downthrow. Mt Etna is composed of different volcanoes which have in part grown side by side and in part one on top of the other: several units of this complex sequence have been recognized, but the geological picture of Etna is far from being complete. Few tholeiites and alkali basalts have been recognized among Etnean lavas, the bulk being alkali andesites (hawaiites l.s.) to latitandesites (mugearites l.s.). Petrological research on Etna can give valuable information about the differentiation processes affecting basaltic magmas in a similar tectonic setting

scholarly journals Absolute and Relative Gravity Measurements at Volcanoes: Current State and New Developments Under the NEWTON-g Project

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Greco ◽  
D. Carbone ◽  
F. Cannavò ◽  
A. A. Messina ◽  
G. Siligato
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Data ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Active Volcano ◽  
Superconducting Gravimeter ◽  
Mount Etna ◽  
Micro Electro Mechanical Systems ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Gravity Measurements ◽  
Mt Etna

AbstractGravity changes associated with volcanic processes occur over a wide range of time scales, from minutes to years and with magnitudes between a few and a few hundred microGal. High-precision instruments are needed to detect such small signals and both time-lapse surveys along networks of stations, and continuous measurements at single points, are accomplished. Continuous volcano gravimetry is mostly carried out through relative gravimeters, either superconducting instruments, providing higher quality data, or the more widely used spring meters. On the other hand, time-lapse surveys can be carried out with relative (spring) gravimeters, that measure gravity differences between pairs of stations, or by absolute gravimeters, capable of measuring the absolute value of the gravitational acceleration at the observation point. Here we present the state-of-the-art of terrestrial gravity measurements to monitor and study active volcanoes and the possibilities of new gravimeters that are under development. In particular, we present data from a mini array of three iGrav superconducting gravimeters (SGs) at Mount Etna (the first network of SGs ever installed on an active volcano). A comparison between continuous gravity measurements recorded through the iGrav#016 superconducting gravimeter at Serra La Nave station (1730 m a.s.l.) and absolute gravity data collected with the Microg LaCoste FG5#238 gravimeter in the framework of repeated campaigns is also presented. Furthermore, we introduce the Horizon 2020 NEWTON-g project (New Tools for Terrain Gravimetry), funded under the FET-OPEN Research and Innovation Actions call, Work Programme 2016–2017 (Grant Agreement No 801221). In the framework of this project, we aim to develop a field-compatible gravity imager, including an array of low-costs Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based relative gravimeters, anchored on an absolute quantum gravimeter. After the design and production phases, the gravity imager will be field-tested at Mt. Etna (Italy) during the last 2 years of the project.

scholarly journals High-Resolution and Accurate Topography Reconstruction of Mount Etna from Pleiades Satellite Data

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 2983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy ◽  
Marina Bisson ◽  
Claudia Spinetti ◽  
Maria Fabrizia Buongiorno ◽  
Oleg Alexandrov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Satellite Data ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Volcanic Eruptions ◽  
Mount Etna ◽  
Surface Model ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Mt Etna ◽  
Tool Set

The areas characterized by dynamic and rapid morphological changes need accurate topography information with frequent updates, especially if these are populated and involve infrastructures. This is particularly true in active volcanic areas such as Mount (Mt.) Etna, located in the northeastern portion of Sicily, Italy. The Mt. Etna volcano is periodically characterized by explosive and effusive eruptions and represents a potential hazard for several thousands of local people and hundreds of tourists present on the volcano itself. In this work, a high-resolution, high vertical accuracy digital surface model (DSM) of Mt. Etna was derived from Pleiades satellite data using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP) tool set. We believe that this is the first time that the ASP using Pleiades imagery has been applied to Mt. Etna with sub-meter vertical root mean square error (RMSE) results. The model covers an area of about 400 km2 with a spatial resolution of 2 m and centers on the summit portion of the volcano. The model was validated by using a set of reference ground control points (GCP) obtaining a vertical RMSE of 0.78 m. The described procedure provides an avenue to obtain DSMs at high spatial resolution and elevation accuracy in a relatively short amount of processing time, making the procedure itself suitable to reproduce topographies often indispensable during the emergency management case of volcanic eruptions.

scholarly journals The Root Mycobiota of Betula aetnensis Raf., an Endemic Tree Species Colonizing the Lavas of Mt. Etna (Italy)

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1624
Author(s):  
Emilio Badalamenti ◽  
Valentina Catania ◽  
Serena Sofia ◽  
Maria Teresa Sardina ◽  
Giovanna Sala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Intergenic Spacer ◽  
Illumina Miseq ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Mount Etna ◽  
Dominant Component ◽  
Mt Etna ◽  
Gradient Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
High Conservation

Betula aetnensis is an endemic tree of high conservation value, which thrives on the nutrient-poor volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Since plant–microbe interactions could play a crucial role in plant growth, resource uptake, and resistance to abiotic stresses, we aimed to characterize the root and rhizosphere microbial communities. Individuals from natural habitat (NAT) and forest nursery (NURS) were surveyed through microscopy observations and molecular tools: bacterial and fungal automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA), fungal denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). B. aetnensis was found to be simultaneously colonized by arbuscular (AM), ectomycorrhizal (ECM), ericoid (ERM) fungi, and dark septate endophytes (DSE). A high diversity of the bacterial community was observed whilst the root fungal assemblage of NAT plants was richer than that of NURS. Root and rhizosphere fungal communities from NAT plants were characterized by Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Most of the identified sequences were affiliated to Helotiales, Pezizales, and Malasseziales. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota dominated roots and rhizosphere but differed in community structure and composition. ECM in the roots mainly belonged to Tylospora and Leccinum, while Rhizopogon was abundant in the rhizosphere. The Helotiales, including ERM (mostly Oidiodendron) and DSE (mostly Phialocephala), appeared the dominant component of the fungal community. B. aetnensis harbors an extraordinarily wide array of root-associated soil microorganisms, which are likely to be involved in the adaptation and resistance mechanisms to the extreme environmental conditions in volcano Etna. We argue that nursery-produced seedlings could lack the necessary microbiota for growth and development in natural conditions.

scholarly journals Thermo-barometric constraints on the Mt. Etna 2015 eruptive event

2021 ◽  
Vol 176 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. P. Giacomoni ◽  
F. Casetta ◽  
V. Valenti ◽  
C. Ferlito ◽  
G. Lanzafame ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Mount Etna ◽  
Feeding System ◽  
Mixing Processes ◽  
North East ◽  
Stability Model ◽  
Eruption Triggering ◽  
Mt Etna ◽  
Crystallization Conditions ◽  
Triggering Mechanisms

AbstractThe petrological study of volcanic products emitted during the paroxysmal events of December 2015 from the summit craters of Mount Etna allow us to constrain T-P-XH2O phase stability, crystallization conditions, and mixing processes along the main open-conduit feeding system. In this study, we discuss new geochemical, thermo-barometric data and related Rhyolite-MELTS modelling of the eruptive activity that involved the concomitant activation of all summit craters. The results, in comparison with the previous paroxysmal events of the 2011–2012, reinforce the model of a vertically extended feeding system and highlight that the activity at the New South-East Crater was fed by magma residing at a significantly shallower depth with respect to the Central Craters (CC) and North-East Crater (NEC), even if all conduits were fed by a common deep (P = 530–440 MPa) basic magmatic input. Plagioclase dissolution, resorption textures, and the Rhyolite-MELTS stability model corroborate its dependence on H2O content; thus, suggesting that further studies on the effect that flushing from fluids with different H2O/CO2 ratio are needed to understand the eruption-triggering mechanisms for high energetic strombolian paroxysmal episodes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document