An integrated approach for understanding long-term volcano dynamics based on absolute gravity and GNSS measurements

Here we present the results of repeated Absolute Gravity and GNSS measurements, collected at Mt. Etna (Italy) between 2009 and 2018. We aim at investigating the capabilities of this integrated approach for understanding the dynamics of magmatic sources over time-scales of months to years. The absolute gravity and GNSS campaign measurements were repeated roughly once a year; in order to improve the time resolution of gravity data, in some stations we performed, besides absolute gravity measurements, also relative measurements at intervals shorter than 1 year.

After being corrected for the effect of elevation changes, gravity data reveal an increase/decrease cycle, well spatio-temporal correlated with a general pattern of uplift/subsidence, during a period of intense lava fountains from the summit craters.

Our results provide insight into the processes that controlled the transfer of the magma from deeper to shallower levels of the plumbing system of Mt. Etna volcano, in periods preceding/accompanying the eruptive activity during 2009–2018.

Specifically, we propose that coupled changes in height-corrected gravity and elevation might be induced either by the magma storage/withdrawal below the volcanic pile, or by fluids pressurization/depressurization, or by a combination of both processes.

The application of the proposed approach could led to an improved capability to identify processes heralding eruptions.