A comprehensive interpretative model of slow slip events on Mt. Etna’s eastern flank

Starting off from a review of previous literature on kinematic models of the unstable easternflank of Mt. Etna, we propose a new model. The model is based on our analysis of a large quantity of multidisciplinarydata deriving from an extensive and diverse network of INGV monitoring devices deployedalong the slopes of the volcano. Our analysis had a twofold objective: first, investigating the origin of therecently observed slow-slip events on the eastern flank of Mt. Etna; and second, defining a general kinematicmodel for the instability of this area of the volcano. To this end, we investigated the 2008–2013period using data collected from different geochemical, geodetic, and seismic networks, integrated withthe tectonic and geologic features of the volcano and including the volcanic activity during the observationperiod. The complex correlations between the large quantities of multidisciplinary data have given us theopportunity to infer, as outlined in this work, that the fluids of volcanic origin and their interrelationshipwith aquifers, tectonic and morphological features play a dominant role in the large scale instability of theeastern flank of Mt. Etna. Furthermore, we suggest that changes in the strain distribution due to volcanicinflation/deflation cycles are closely connected to changes in shallow depth fluid circulation. Finally, we proposea general framework for both the short and long term modeling of the large flank displacementsobserved.