Etna update, 10/03/2023
In the last week, most of the gas continued to be released at Mt Etna's Bocca Nuova. At times, gas emissions were intensified in a pulse-like manner. At the Southeast Crater complex, fumaroles persistently released gas along the inner walls of the crater located between Old and New Southeast Craters. Gas and steam were also persistently emitted along the upper northern summit area of New Southeast Crater. There, light sensitive webcams also continued to show some pulsating glow, likely generated by rising heat.
At Voragine and Northeast Crater, I still could not detect any significant gas emissions.
Analysis of the GPS station data showed no significant changes for the period between 20 February and 05 March [1, 2].
Clinometric data showed no significant changes in the slope of the volcano building between 20 Feb and 05 March [1, 2].
Due to strong winds, the measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters was so much affected in the period between 20 Feb and 05 March that no reliable data could be obtained [1, 2].
Sulfur dioxide emissions at the summit craters remained unchanged in the period between 20.02. and 05.03. compared to the previous week and were at medium levels.
Soil carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) hovered around the border between low and medium levels between 20.02. and 05.03. [1, 2].
The concentration of helium isotopes (3He/4He - ratio) in the Etna area, last determined on 22 February, was slightly lower than the last measurement, with a value of 0.61. The measured value continues to be at a high level [1].
Online seismograms from the ECNE station showed only sporadic, weak signals between February 25 and March 10.
The tremor decreased somewhat on 26 February and has since been subject to a slightly increasing trend. Currently, it is at a medium level [3].
On 26.02. an earthquake of magnitude 1.5 was registered at Zafferana (southeast flank). On 28.02. an earthquake of the same magnitude occurred there. On 28.02. two quakes occurred at Monte Fontane (eastern flank) reaching magnitudes of 3.2 and 1.8, respectively. On March 01, two earthquakes with magnitudes of 2.2 and 2.3 occurred in the area northwest of Adrano and southwest of Bronte (western flank), respectively. On March 01, an earthquake of magnitude 1.7 was measured at Monte Palestra (western flank). On 01.03. a small series of earthquakes occurred in the area north of Monte Collabasso (northern flank). The strongest quake reached a magnitude of 1.6 [4].
1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - BOLLETTINO SETTIMANALE - SETTIMANA DI RIFERIMENTO 20/02/2023 - 26/02/2023
2 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - BOLLETTINO SETTIMANALE - SETTIMANA DI RIFERIMENTO 27/02/2023 - 05/03/2023
3 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
4 - INGV. Osservatorio Etneo. Sorveglianza e Monitoraggio. DATABASE TERREMOTI. Localizzazioni di sala operativa. 2023.
