Analogue modeling of flank instability at Mount Etna: Understanding the driving factors (original) (raw)
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Geophysical Journal International, 2012
The overall picture of Mount Etna deformation emerging since a couple of decades of geodetic surveys shows effects of magma accumulation, characterized by inflation/deflation cycle, accompanied by a sliding instability of the southeast flank, whose manifestation is an increase in the horizontal deformation away from the volcano summit. This is a very interesting case to test whether advanced models, taking into account topography, internal structure and frictional rheology, may contribute to a better understanding of the complex interplay among mechanical response, magmatic activity and gravitational load occurring in a volcanic system. Using finite element numerical models we make predictions of surface displacements associated with a simple expansion source and with a dike-like vertical discontinuity. A new methodology is developed to initialize the lithostatic stress field according to the material and geometrical complexities of the models considered. Our results show that, while an amplification of the horizontal displacement can be easily obtained up to a maximum distance of 10 km from the source, we have not been able to find any configuration to extend further this signal. For the case of Mount Etna this suggests that the large horizontal displacements observed in the east flank along the coast cannot be directly related to magma accumulation below the volcano's summit.
Volcanic edifices are often unable to support their own load, triggering the instability of their flanks. Many analogue models have been aimed, especially in the last decade, at understanding the processes leading to volcano flank instability; general behaviors were defined and the experimental results were compared to nature. However, available data at well-studied unstable volcanoes may allow a deeper understanding of the specific processes leading to instability, providing insights also at the local scale. Etna (Italy) constitutes a suitable example for such a possibility, because of its well-monitored flank instability, for which different triggering factors have been proposed in the last two decades. Among these factors, recent InSAR data highlight the role played by magmatic intrusions and a weak basement, under a differential unbuttressing at the volcano base. This study considers original and recently published experimental data to test these factors possibly responsible for flank instability, with the final aim to better understand and summarize the conditions leading to flank instability at Etna. In particular, we simulate the following processes: a) the long-term activity of a lithospheric boundary, as the Malta Escarpment, separating the Ionian oceanic lithosphere from the continental Sicilian lithosphere, below the most unstable east flank of the volcano; b) spreading due to a weak basement, with different boundary conditions; c) the pressurization of a magmatic reservoir, as that active during the 1994–2001 inflation period; d) dike emplacement, as observed during the major 2001 and 2002–2003 eruptions. The experimental results suggest that: 1) the long-term activity of a lithospheric tectonic boundary may create a topographic slope which provides a differential buttressing at the volcano base, a preparing factor to drive longer-term (> 105 years) instability on the east flank of the volcano; 2) volcano spreading (< 104 years) has limited effect on flank instability at Etna; 3) magmatic intrusions (< 101 years), both in the form of Mogi-like sources or dikes, provide the most important conditions to trigger flank instability on the shorter-term.► This study provides an overview of the factors responsible for flank instability at Etna. ► Differential buttressing conditions provide a crucial factor to prepare instability. ► A weak basement may be a viable, though limited, mechanism to have flank instability at Etna. ► Pressurized reservoir or dike emplacement may trigger or enhance flank instability on the least buttressed side.
… , held 2-7 May, 2010 in …, 2010
Many volcanic edifices are subject to flank failure, usually produced by a combination of events, rather than any single process. From a dynamic point of view, the cause of collapse can be divided into factors that contribute to an increase in shear stress, and factors that contribute to the reduction in the friction coefficient μ of a potential basal failure plane. We study the potential for flank failure at Mount Etna considering a schematic section of the eastern flank, approximated by a wedge-like block. For such geometry, we perform a (steady state) limit equilibrium analysis: the resolution of the forces parallel to the possible basal failure plane allows us to determine the total force acting on the potentially unstable wedge. An estimate of the relative strength of these forces suggests that, in first approximation, the stability is controlled primarily by the balance between block weight, lithostatic load and magmatic forces. Any other force (sea load, hydrostatic uplift, and the uplift due to mechanical and thermal pore-fluid pressure) may be considered of second order. To study the model sensitivity, we let the inferred slope α of the basal surface failure vary between −10°and 10°, and consider three possible scenarios: no magma loading, magmastatic load, and magmastatic load with magma overpressure. We use error propagation to include in our analysis the uncertainties in the estimates of the mechanics and geometrical parameters controlling the block equilibrium. When there is no magma loading, the ratio between destabilizing and stabilizing forces is usually smaller than the coefficient of friction of the basal failure plane. In the absence of an initiating mechanism, and with the nominal values of the coefficient of friction μ = 0.7 ± 0.1 proposed, the representative wedge will remain stable or continue to move at constant speed. In presence of magmastatic forces, the influence of the lateral restraint decreases. If we consider the magmastatic load only, the block will remain stable (or continue to move at constant speed), unless the transient mechanical and thermal pressurization significantly decrease the friction coefficient, increasing the instability of the flank wedge for α N 5°(seaward dipping decollement). When the magma overpressure contribution is included in the equilibrium analysis, the ratio between destabilizing and stabilizing forces is of the same order or larger than the coefficient of friction of the basal failure plane, and the block will become unstable (or accelerate), especially in the case of the reduction in friction coefficient. Finally, our work suggests that the major challenge in studying flank instability at Mount Etna is not the lack of an appropriate physical model, but the limited knowledge of the mechanical and geometrical parameters describing the block equilibrium.
Modeling the effects of eruptive and seismic activities on flank instability at Mount Etna, Italy
1] The identification and evaluation of trigger mechanisms for volcano flank instabilities and/or collapse represent a key issue for risk assessment in densely populated volcanic areas, as well as in long-distance settings, particularly in case of island or coastal volcanoes. Here we address quantitatively the effects of external (seismic) and inner (magmatic) forcing on the stress-strain state associated to flank instabilities at Mount Etna (Sicily, southern Italy) by means of a 2-D finite difference method numerical modeling. Modeled seismic actions include strong near-field, strong far-field, and low-magnitude near-field earthquakes. Magmatic actions consider the inner pressure changes induced by energetic lava fountains in the summit crater area and subvertical and oblique dike ascent below the summit area. Model results are validated in light of available monitoring data and recent eruptive activity. Numerical results show that the main strain effects are produced by high-magnitude near-field earthquakes (expected return time of~10 3 yrs) and by vertical uprise of a magma dike below the volcano summit area. Maximum displacements in the order of tens of centimeters may involve the summit area, up to some 10 6 m 3 /m over some kilometers laterally. Stress releases up to 10 7 Pa may affect a limited portion of the magmatic conduit, thus favoring major effusive flank eruptions. Major catastrophic events, such as volcano flank collapse, should not be expected by applying, either individually or combined, the aforementioned actions.
Mount Etna volcano is subject to transient magmatic intrusions and flank movement. The east flank of the edifice, in particular, is moving eastward and is dissected by the Timpe Fault System. The relationship of this eastward motion with intrusions and tectonic fault motion, however, remains poorly constrained. Here we explore this relationship by using analogue experiments that are designed to simulate magmatic rift intrusion, flank movement, and fault activity before, during, and after a magmatic intrusion episode. Using particle image velocimetry allows for a precise temporal and spatial analysis of the development and activity of fault systems. The results show that the occurrence of rift intrusion episodes has a direct effect on fault activity. In such a situation, fault activity may occur or may be hindered, depending on the interplay of fault displacement and flank acceleration in response to dike intrusion. Our results demonstrate that a complex interplay may exist between an active tectonic fault system and magmatically induced flank instability. Episodes of magmatic intrusion change the intensity pattern of horizontal flank displacements and may hinder or activate associated faults. We further compare our results with the GPS data of the Mount Etna 2001 eruption and intrusion. We find that syneruptive displacement rates at the Timpe Fault System have differed from the preeruptive or posteruptive periods, which shows a good agreement of both the experimental and the GPS data. Therefore, understanding the flank instability and flank stability at Mount Etna requires consideration of both tectonic and magmatic forcing.
Journal of volcanology and geothermal research, 2006
The development of the 2004-2005 eruption at Etna (Italy) is investigated by means of field surveys to define the current structural state of the volcano. In 2004-2005, a fracture swarm, associated with three effusive vents, propagated downslope from the SE summit crater towards the SE. Such a scenario is commonly observed at Etna, as a pressure increase within the central conduits induces the lateral propagation of most of the dikes downslope. Nevertheless, some unusual features of this eruption (slower propagation of fractures, lack of explosive activity and seismicity, oblique shear along the fractures) suggest a more complex triggering mechanism. A detailed review of the recent activity at Etna enables us to better define this possible mechanism. In fact, the NW-SE-trending fractures formed in 2004-2005 constitute the southeastern continuation of a N-S-trending fracture system which started to develop in early 1998 to the east of the summit craters. The overall 1998-2005 deformation pattern therefore forms an arcuate feature, whose geometry and kinematics are consistent with the head of a shallow flank deformation on the E summit of Etna. Similar deformation patterns have also been observed in analogue models of deforming volcanic cones. In this framework, the 2004-2005 eruption was possibly induced by a dike resulting from the intersection of this incipient fracture system with the SE Crater. A significant acceleration of this flank deformation may be induced by any magmatic involvement. The central conduit of the volcano is presently open, constantly buffering any increase in magmatic pressure and any hazardous consequence can be expected to be limited. A more hazardous scenario may be considered with a partial or total closing of the central conduit. In this case, magmatic overpressure within the central conduit may enhance the collapse of the upper eastern flank, triggering an explosive eruption associated with a landslide reaching the eastern lower slope of the volcano.
Tectonophysics, 2009
The 2001 eruption represents one of the most studied events both from volcanological and geophysical point of view on Mt. Etna. This eruption was a crucial event in the recent dynamics of the volcano, marking the passage from a period (March 1993-June 2001 of moderate stability with slow, continuous flank sliding and contemporaneous summit eruptions, to a period (July 2001 to present) of dramatically increased flank deformations and flank eruptions. We show new GPS data and high precision relocation of seismicity in order to demonstrate the role of the 2001 intrusive phase in this change of the dynamic regime of the volcano. GPS data consist of two kinematic surveys carried out on 12 July, a few hours before the beginning of the seismic swarm, and on 17 July, just after the onset of eruptive activity. A picture of the spatial distribution of the sin-eruptive seismicity has been obtained using the HypoDD relocation algorithm based on the double-difference (DD) technique. Modeling of GPS measurements reveals a southward motion of the upper southern part of the volcano, driven by a NNW-SSE structure showing mainly left-lateral kinematics. Precise hypocenter location evidences an aseismic zone at about sea level, where the magma upraise was characterized by a much higher velocity and an abrupt westward shift, revealing the existence of a weakened or ductile zone. These results reveal how an intrusion of a dike can severely modify the shallow stress field, triggering significant flank failure. In 2001, the intrusion was driven by a weakened surface, which might correspond to a decollement plane of the portion of the volcano affected by flank instability, inducing an additional stress testified by GPS measurements and seismic data, which led to an acceleration of the sliding flanks.