Long-term far-field deformation of Etna as an indicator of eruptive control

Abstract

An 88 station dual-frequency GPS network on Mt Etna was occupied between 10th September and 10th October 2006, to measure for deformation in association with the current series of eruptions. 17 stations that had been measured by trilateration and levelling in 1981 and 1983 were re-located with hand-held GPS and included in the network. The timing of the trip was perfect, in that new flank fissures opened up on 12th October and lava began flowing from them on October 13th, so that we have a complete picture of the volcano immediately preceding the 2006 flank eruption. Accuracy achieved was excellent, and the results show that Etna had resumed its characteristic spreading after a temporary reversal following the 2004-5 eruption.