Crustal and Upper Mantle Architecture Beneath Vesuvius Revealed by Receiver Functions

Understanding volcanic systems requires the integration of multiple disciplines. Among them, the integration of seismology and petrology is advantageous. In this study, we investigate the crustal and upper-mantle structure beneath Mount Vesuvius using the Receiver Function (RF) technique. The Somma–Vesuvius volcanic complex has experienced both effusive and explosive eruptions over the past ~25 Ma. Because of the dense population surrounding the volcano, it is among the highest-risk volcanoes in Europe, making a detailed imaging of its internal structure essential for risk mitigation.

Receiver Functions are particularly sensitive to seismic velocity contrasts, allowing the identification of major discontinuities and providing constraints on P- and S-wave velocity variations at depth. Building on previous geophysical studies, our work integrates petrological constraints to improve the interpretation of seismic velocity anomalies and their relationship with the magmatic system beneath Vesuvius. This combined approach allows us to link observed seismic features with the physical state of magmatic reservoirs.

We analyzed seismic data from fourteen stations distributed around the volcanic edifice. RFs were computed using a multi-taper deconvolution technique to enhance signal stability. Subsequently, we applied the transdimensional Bayesian inversion method to retrieve probabilistic 1D velocity models and identify the most likely depths of seismic discontinuities. The integration of geophysics with petrological modeling was used to estimate melt fractions associated with the detected low-velocity zones.

Our preliminary results enabled us to correlate the various discontinuities with the stations we deployed around Vesuvius. We have observed at least three distinct layers, separated by discontinuities with marked changes in the Vs. These preliminary results highlight the effectiveness of combining seismic and petrological analyses to constrain the geometry and physical properties of the Vesuvius magmatic system. The identified velocity anomalies shed light on the interaction between crustal and upper-mantle structures and magmatic processes. These findings provide valuable information for ongoing volcanic monitoring and contribute to improving hazard assessment strategies for the Vesuvius area.