Multiparametric investigation of Etna volcano paroxysms in February 2021 from a multilayer geophysical perspective
摘要
Volcano eruptions are one of the possible catastrophic natural hazards. The effects of an eruption are not limited to lava outflow but can introduce ashes, water vapour and gases into the atmosphere and may even alter the Earth’s global electric circuit. This study investigates the sequence of paroxysms produced by Etna Volcano (Italy) during February 2021, aiming to improve the understanding of their effects on the geophysical system. We considered datasets obtained by different sources and methods, such as the local seismicity, to identify possible underground magma flow; the atmospheric data from a big climatological archive to search for possible anomalies; the ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) and in-situ measurements of CSES satellite electron density data, to analyse the ionospheric disturbances. TEC data were extracted from ground-based Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) measurements. Observations were integrated with ground-based geomagnetic measurements recorded by the Gagliano station situated close to Etna Volcano. As a result, the reconstructed TEC time series using Continuous Wavelet Transform and map visualisation allowed us to discern noticeable ionospheric fluctuations days before and during the paroxysms. The spatial analysis identified TEC anomalies localised over Mount Etna, distinct from regional variations. We validated the ionospheric disturbances against space weather conditions induced by solar and geomagnetic activity. These key parameters allowed the investigation of possible Lithosphere-Atmosphere–Ionosphere Coupling (LAIC) dynamics, eventually linked to Etna eruption activity. These results highlight the value of integrating ground station-based ionospheric monitoring, satellite and multiparametric ground data for volcanic monitoring, contributing to a better understanding of LAIC mechanisms and providing crucial knowledge that could be integrated into a future multiparametric alarm system.