Volcano hazard monitoring at Mount Etna: the 2022 case study

Combining field measurements, satellite estimates and numerical modeling provide great advantages for the continuous monitoring of effusive eruptions. Here we demonstrate the potential of a new integrated monitoring system called HOTFLOW developed for Etna volcano, which is based on the CL-HOTSAT thermal monitoring system for the processing of satellite imagery and GPUFLOW model for the simulation of lava flows. The potential of HOTFLOW is demonstrated here using the ongoing eruption of Mount Etna started on November 27, 2022. We provide insights into lava flow field evolution by supplying detailed views of flow field construction (e.g., the opening of ephemeral vents) that are useful for more accurate and reliable forecasts of the eruptive activity. Moreover, we give a detailed chronology of the lava flow activity based on field observations and satellite images (i.e. SEVIRI, MODIS, Landsat 8/9, Sentinel-2, Planetscope, Skysat), assess the potential extent of impacted areas, map the evolution of lava flow field, and provide lava flow hazard projections.