EtnaUpdater @EtnaUpdater@qoto.org

Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily

During last week, the mild strombolian activity at Etna's Southeast Crater complex continued. The tremor remained unchanged and the seismic activity was only slightly increased.

You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).

#Etna #volcano

Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily

For several days, there has been ongoing strombolian activity at Etna's Southeast Crater complex. Meanwhile, Bocca Nuova emitted pulse-like hot gas and produced many gas rings.

You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).

#Etna #volcano

This webcam photo taken last night from the eastern flank of Mt. Etna shows one of the mild strombolian explosions in the Southeast Crater complex. The incandescent material is ejected several tens of metres higher than the crater rim:

Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily

Mild strombolian activity has resumed at Mt Etna. Since the early morning hours of 22 October, very sporadic and mild strombolian explosions have been occurring at Etna's Southeast Crater. The explosions take place in the area between the old and new cones of the Southeast Crater complex and usually also release some brownish ash.

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This photo of the La Montagnola - webcam (I.N.G.V.) from the evening of 23.10.2023 shows a mild strombolian explosion inside the Southeast Crater:

Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily

During the last week, Mt Etna remained somewhat unsettled. The energetic emissions of hot gas in Bocca Nuova continued and a swarm quake occurred on the northern flank.

You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).

#Etna #volcano

Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily

The mountain remained unsettled last week as well. There were individual ash releases from the southeast crater complex. The tremor increased somewhat and the seismograms showed occasional explosion signals.

You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).

#Etna #volcano

Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily

During the past week, Etna's restless sleep continued. There was pulse-like emission of hot gas, as well as production of gas rings from Bocca Nuova. Seismic activity has increased somewhat and slight inflation of the volcanic edifice has been observed.

You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).

#Etna #volcano

Quick Etna Update, 09.07.23

Today, minor ash emissions have started at Mt Etna's South East Crater complex. The source is apparently a vent located in the northeast summit area of New Southeast Crater. The grey ash clouds are accompanied by increased gas emission. In the evening, images from the INGV thermal imaging cameras also showed small thermal anomalies, suggesting the ejection of hot material. The tremor shows no particular abnormalities.
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Etna update, 07.07.2023

Last week, strong gas emission continued to occur at Bocca Nuova. Occasionally, pulse-like gas releases were also visible. Today, around 19:26, a relatively strong pulse-like gas emission occurred, which was associated with a seismic signal. At the Southeast Crater complex, most of the gas was emitted from a vent in the northeast summit area of New Southeast Crater. Here, gas emissions were persistent and appeared more powerful than in previous weeks. Occasionally, gas was also emitted in pulses. From the central area between the old and the new South East Crater, gas was persistently emitted from fumaroles extending along the inner crater walls. Fractures on the upper north flank of New Southeast Crater also persistently released some gas and white steam.
I did not observe any gas emissions at Voragine and Northeast Crater.

The evaluation of the data from the GPS stations showed no significant changes for the period between 26.06. and 02.07. However, the data showed the continuation of the slight inflation phase of the volcanic edifice [1].
The signals from the clinometric stations showed no significant changes for the period between 26.06 and 02.07 [1].

After a slight increase in the number of infrasound events from 26 June, the infrasound activity at the summit craters slowly decreased again until 02 July. However, strong winds also affected the measurements during this time. The amplitude of the events was low. In most cases, Bocca Nuova could be identified as the source, although some events also occurred at Southeast Crater [1].

Sulphur dioxide emissions at the summit craters remained at a medium level in the week from 26.06. to 02.07..
During the same period, ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) decreased significantly, but remained just at a medium level [1].

Last week, the online seismograms of station ECNE showed weak noise, as well as repeated various weak signals, some of which resembled explosion signals. These signals occurred about every 5 - 15 minutes. Today, two short sequences (2 - 3 min.) of stronger noise were recorded. The second event was associated with stronger gas emission from Bocca Nuova.
The tremor was at a medium level during the past week, with a slightly increasing trend [2].
In the period from 26 June to 02 July, the source of the tremor was below the southeast crater at a depth between 2400 - and 2900 m [1].

On 05.07. a series of earthquakes occurred in the area a few kilometres west of Bronte (west flank). The strongest quake had a magnitude of 4.0. The quakes occurred at a depth of between 9 and 30 km [3].

1. INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - Bollettino settimanale, 26/06/2023 - 02/07/2023
2. INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
3. INGV. Osservatorio Etneo. Sorveglianza e Monitoraggio. DATABASE TERREMOTI. Localizzazioni di sala operativa. 2023

#Etna #volcano

Etna update, 30.06.2023

During the last week, clouds temporarily hindered the observation of the summit craters via webcams. During the cloud-free hours, the usual gas emissions appeared, which continued to be most intense at Bocca Nuova and at times also intensified like pulses. At the southeast crater complex, gas was emitted persistently from the central area between the old and new southeast crater. The upper northeast to north flank of New Southeast Crater also emitted gas or white steam persistently. At Voragine and Northeast Crater I could still hardly observe any gas emission.

The analysis of the data from the GPS stations showed no significant changes for the period between 19 and 25 June [1].
The signals from the clinometric stations showed no significant changes for the period between 19 and 25 June [1].

The measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters showed a low number of events between 19 and 25 June. The amplitude of the events was predominantly weak and the source of the events was located in Bocca Nuova [1].

Sulphur dioxide emissions at the summit craters remained at medium levels during the week of 19-25 June.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) decreased slightly during the same period, but still remained at a high average level.
The concentration of helium isotopes (3He/4He - ratio) in the Etna area, which was last determined on 21 June, was slightly higher than in the last measurements with a value of 0.63. The measured value was at a high level. The measured value was at a high level [1].

The online seismograms of the ECNE station showed weak noise last week, as well as some occasional weak signals.
The tremor was at a medium level last week and was subject to only minor fluctuations. Overall, there was a slightly increasing trend [2].
In the period from 19 to 25 June, the source of the tremor was below the southeast crater at a depth between 2000 - and 2800 m [1].

On 23 June, an earthquake of magnitude 1.5 occurred near Milo (eastern flank). Between 24 and 25 June, several weak earthquakes occurred in the area of Monte Fontane (eastern flank), the strongest reaching a magnitude of 1.9. From 27 to 30 June, a series of earthquakes occurred in the Fleri - Zafferana Etnea - Santa Venerina - Milo area (eastern flank). The strongest earthquake reached a magnitude of 3.1, but most of the quakes were much weaker and had magnitudes below 2.0. The depth of the quakes varied between 2 and 12 km [3].

My interpretation of the data and speculations about the further development:
The recent series of earthquakes in the Zafferana - Santa Venerina area was, in my opinion, most likely caused by a fault that extends along the eastern flank of Etna from north to south. The quakes that occur there are tectonic in nature, but the stresses that are discharged are often caused by magma movements under the mountain. Thus, this series of earthquakes could be an indication of rising magma or inflation caused by it. The still high ground carbon dioxide emissions also point to rising magma. Another indication that fresh magma continues to flow in under the mountain is the still high 3He/4He ratio.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict when this magma will reach the surface. This could be in a few hours, but also in a few weeks. Anything from a paroxysmal eruption to a purely effusive eruption is possible, as has been shown again in recent months. The most likely location for an eruption is probably the southeast crater complex.
At present, there are no indications of an imminent eruption.

1. INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - Bollettino settimanale, 19/06/2023 - 25/06/2023
2. INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
3. INGV. Osservatorio Etneo. Sorveglianza e Monitoraggio. DATABASE TERREMOTI. Localizzazioni di sala operativa. 2023

Etna update, 16.06.2023

Etna remained quiet last week as well. However, increasing inflation and gas emissions, as well as a slight increase in tremor, could be the first signs of an imminent eruption.

Clouds continued to frequently hinder observation of the summit craters via webcams last week. During the cloud-free hours, intense gas emission was observed at Bocca Nuova, which was occasionally intensified in a pulse-like manner. At the Southeast Crater Complex, steam was emitted persistently from the area of the large breach respectively the crater between the old and the new Southeast Crater. From the northeastern to northern summit area of the New Southeast Crater, fumaroles released gas and steam persistently. On the other hand, Voragine and Northeast Crater continued to emit only minor amounts of gas.

The evaluation of the data from the GPS stations showed an increase in the inflation of the volcanic edifice in the area of the central mountain flanks for the period between 5 and 11 June. This put an end to the persistent slight deflation that had been going on for several months [1].
The signals from the clinometric stations showed no significant changes for the period between 05 and 11 June [1].

The measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters was affected by strong winds in the period between 05 and 11 June. The number of events was at a similar level as in the previous week. The amplitude of the events was low. The source was mainly Bocca Nuova [1].

Sulphur dioxide emissions at the summit craters were at a medium level during the week of 05 June to 11 June, subject to an increasing trend.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) increased significantly during the same period and moved towards a high level [1].

The online seismograms of station ECNE were only available again last week from 14.06. and showed only weak noise.
The tremor moved at a medium level last week and was subject to a slightly increasing trend [2].
From 5 to 11 June, the source of the tremor was below the southeast crater at a depth between 2500 and 2800 m [1].

On 15.06. an earthquake of magnitude 1.7 occurred southwest of Rifugio Citelli (east/northeast flank). On 16.06. an earthquake of magnitude 2.5 was registered near Santa Venerina (east flank) [3].

My interpretation of the data and speculation about further developments:
The increase in the inflation of the volcano edifice, as well as the increased emissions of carbon dioxide, indicate that more magma is rising in the mountain at the moment. The tremor has also increased slightly, which indicates that magma is in motion. Presumably, these are moderate amounts that can probably be stored in the mountain for the time being. Sooner or later, however, there will probably be another eruption. But it is difficult to say when this will be the case. The character of the eruptive activity cannot be predicted either. It is possible that the magma that is now rising will first degas slowly and then, in a few months, there will be an effusive and prolonged eruption, as in November 2022. However, if there is a larger amount of fresh magma, there may also be strombolian and effusive activity at the Southeast Crater complex. However, it is also possible that, as in May, a paroxysmal episode suddenly occurs at the Southeast Crater complex, resulting in a brief but very explosive eruption. At the moment, however, nothing points to an imminent eruption. In any case, the mountain is always good for a surprise!

1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023.Etna - Bollettino settimanale, 05/06/2023 - 11/06/2023
2 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
3 - INGV. Osservatorio Etneo. Sorveglianza e Monitoraggio. DATABASE TERREMOTI. Localizzazioni di sala operativa. 2023.

#Etna #volcano

Etna update, 09.06.2023

Last week, Mt Etna remained calm, but there was another intense series of earthquakes. This occurred on the western flank of the mountain.

Bad weather with lots of clouds hampered the observation of the summit craters via webcams almost constantly during the past week. During the few cloud-free moments I could see the usual gas emissions, which were again most intense at Voragine. At the Southeast Crater complex, most of the gas was released from the eastern to northern summit area of New Southeast Crater. Enhanced by the high humidity and the heat of the still hot material from the last paroxysm, a lot of steam was also emitted there. Only little gas was released at Voragine and Northeast Crater.

The evaluation of the data from the GPS stations did not reveal any particular anomalies for the period 29.05. to 04.06. [1].
The signals of the clinometric stations showed no significant deviations in the period from 29.05. to 04.06. [1].

The measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters was occasionally disturbed by strong winds in the period from 29 May to 4 June. Otherwise, the activity was similar to the previous week with a decreasing trend of events. The amplitude of the events was low. The source of the activity was mainly Bocca Nuova/Voragine. The southeast crater, on the other hand, played a subordinate role [1].

The sulphur dioxide emissions at the summit craters were at a medium level in the week from 29 May to 04 June and were subject to a decreasing trend.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) decreased slightly during the same period and remained at a medium level [1].

The online seismograms of station ECNE were not available last week.
The tremor was at a medium level during the past week and was subject to only minor fluctuations [2].

On 04.06. a pronounced series of earthquakes occurred in the area of Monte Lepre (western flank). The strongest tremors reached magnitudes of 2.5 to 2.8. The quakes occurred at depths between 17 and 26 km [3].

1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023.Etna - Bollettino settimanale, 29/05/2023 - 04/06/2023
2 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
3 - INGV. Osservatorio Etneo. Sorveglianza e Monitoraggio. DATABASE TERREMOTI. Localizzazioni di sala operativa. 2023.

#Etna #volcano

Etna update, 02.06.2023

The weather at Mt Etna continued to be rather unsettled with many clouds and thunderstorms, which often hindered the observation of the summit craters via webcams during the last week. However, there were also clear periods, especially in the morning and evening hours. During my observations, I could no longer see any glow above Bocca Nuova. During the day, the usual intense and pulsating gas emission was observed. At the Southeast Crater complex, glow was temporarily visible in the early morning of 27 May. However, due to a cap of clouds it was only dimly visible and seemed to emanate from the northeastern summit area of New Southeast Crater. During the following nights I could not observe any more glow. During the day, gas and a lot of white steam rose both inside the large breach and in the entire summit area of New Southeast Crater. Due to high humidity, these emissions appeared quite imposing at times. I did not observe any significant gas emissions from Voragine and Northeast Crater.

The evaluation of the data from the GPS stations showed no significant deviations for the period between 22 and 28 May [1].
The signals from the Casa Bada clinometric station showed a deformation (inflation) of up to 2 microradians in connection with an earthquake that occurred in the Valle del Bove on 28 May and reached a magnitude of 4 [1].

The measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters showed an increased number of events between 22 and 24 May. The source of the activity was the area of Bocca Nuova/Voragine. The southeast crater, on the other hand, played only a subordinate role. On the following days, strong winds hindered the measurements [1].

Sulphur dioxide emissions at the summit craters were at medium levels in the week from 22 to 28 May. Peak emission rates also reached high levels.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) continued to increase during the same period and were at medium levels [1].

The online seismograms of the ECNE station showed only very small and sporadic signals last week [2].
The tremor fluctuated between low and medium levels last week, then increased somewhat and stabilised at medium levels in the last few days [2].
The source of the tremor was located in the period from 22 to 28 May between the Central Crater and Bocca Nuova and fluctuated at an altitude between 1500 m and 2900 m above sea level. Towards the end of the measurement period, the source of the tremor shifted slightly eastwards to the eastern base of New Southeast Crater [1].

On 28.05. a pronounced series of earthquakes occurred on the eastern flank, in the greater Valle del Bove area (Monte Centenari - Monte Scorsone - Rifugio Citelli). The strongest tremor had a magnitude of 4.0. Several other quakes reached magnitudes of just over 2. The quakes occurred at a depth of approx. 4 - 6 km [3].

My interpretation of the data and speculations about further developments:
The striking series of earthquakes on 28 May was most likely caused by the rise of magma, as there was a slight change in the slope at the same time as the quakes. The still high measured values of soil carbon dioxide and the increased emission rates of sulphur dioxide at the summit craters also indicate that a batch of fresh magma has apparently arrived. It is therefore only a matter of time before new eruptive activity occurs on Etna. This could again lead to a paroxysm at the southeast crater complex, but longer-lasting strombolian and/or effusive activity are also possible. Most recently, the source of the tremor in the area of the eastern base of the New Southeast Crater had advanced relatively far to the surface. Could this area become the scene of new activity? Unfortunately, it is still very difficult to make forecasts and the old lady does what she wants anyway.

1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023.Etna - Bollettino settimanale, 22/05/2023 - 28/05/2023
2 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
3 - INGV. Osservatorio Etneo. Sorveglianza e Monitoraggio. DATABASE TERREMOTI. Localizzazioni di sala operativa. 2023.

#Etna #volcano