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Three‐dimensional P ‐wave velocity structure of Mt. Etna, Italy
Author(s) -
Villaseñor A.,
Benz H. M.,
Filippi L.,
De Luca G.,
Scarpa R.,
Patanè G.,
Vinciguerra S.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/98gl01240
Subject(s) - geology , seismology , volcano , seismometer , impact crater , induced seismicity , volcanism , intrusion , mafic , flank , geodesy , tectonics , petrology , geochemistry , physics , astronomy , sociology , anthropology
The three‐dimensional P ‐wave velocity structure of Mt. Etna is determined to depths of 15 km by tomographic inversion of first arrival times from local earthquakes recorded by a network of 29 permanent and temporary seismographs. Results show a near‐vertical low‐velocity zone that extends from beneath the central craters to a depth of 10 km. This low‐velocity region is coincident with a band of steeply‐dipping seismicity, suggesting a magmatic conduit that feeds the summit eruptions. The most prominent structure is an approximately 8‐km‐diameter high‐velocity body located between 2 and 12 km depth below the southeast flank of the volcano. This high‐velocity body is interpreted as a remnant mafic intrusion that is an important structural feature influencing both volcanism and east flank slope stability and faulting.