Strombolian activity continues, M2.5 earthquake near Etna volcano, Italy

Strombolian activity continues at Etna’s Southeast Crater on November 30, 2023. Additionally, an M2.5 earthquake was recorded at 06:52 UTC close to Piano Pernicana, ENE of the crater.

Etna Observatory reports continued strombolian activity at Etna’s Southeast Crater on November 30. The activity is characterized by varying intensity and frequency of individual explosions, producing moderately strong ash emissions that quickly disperse east and near the summit area.

The average magnitude of the volcanic tremor in the Southeast Crater area continues to show variable progression over time, with rapid fluctuations between average and high values. As for infrasonic activity, it shows medium to high intensity. The presence of strong wind does not allow a reliable estimate of the rate of infrasonic events.

Clinometric network data analysis shows no soil deformation outside of signal oscillations.

“There are currently no indicators that Etna will produce a major and potentially dangerous eruption anytime soon,” INGV’s Boris Behncke said on November 29.

At @Etna, brief episodes of Strombolian activity continue at the Southeast Crater. The intervals between these episodes are strikingly regular – about 60-70 minutes. Between the episodes, the crater falls into complete silence.

Photos taken on 27 and 29 November 2023. pic.twitter.com/gDZ0TNMVTC

— Boris Behncke (@etnaboris) November 29, 2023

There are currently no indicators that @Etna will produce a major and potentially dangerous eruption anytime soon. Seismic activity as well as other geophysical parameters are at rather low levels.

Photo taken on the evening of 26 November 2023. pic.twitter.com/0Z5FVMm1Jj

— Boris Behncke (@etnaboris) November 29, 2023

“Seismic activity as well as other geophysical parameters are at rather low levels,” Behncke said, adding that differently from exaggerated information circulated on social media, this activity is rather modest in intensity. “It does not have any impact on the surrounding population (except for the occasional loud detonations) or on air traffic.”

The Aviation Color Code remains Orange since 23:13 UTC on November 20.

Additionally, a magnitude 2.5 earthquake, with a reported depth of 0 km, occurred 2.4 km (1.5 miles) E of Piano Pernicana at 06:52 UTC on November 30. The last notable earthquake in this area was M2.7 at 07:26 UTC on October 5 — depth 10.5 km (6.5 miles). Prior to this, INGV reported M2.9 on August 30 at 16:27 UTC – depth 14.9 km (9.2 miles).

Looking at all earthquakes near Etna over the past 24 hours, INGV also recorded M1.7 at 19:13 UTC at a depth of 7.4 km (4.6 miles). The location of this quake was 2 km (1.2 miles) W of Bronte (W of the crater).

A total of 9 earthquakes were reported in Etna’s vicinity over the past 7 days:

• M1.8 at 02:36 UTC on November 29. Depth: 5.2 km (3.2 miles). Location: 1 km (0.6 miles) NW of Roccella Valdemone.
• M1.0 at 15:39 UTC on November 27. Depth: 5 km (3.1 miles). Location: 2 km (1.2 miles) NW of Milo.
• M1.4 at 06:33 UTC on November 27. Depth: 5.3 km (3.3 miles). Location: 5 km (3.1 miles) NW of Milo.
• M1.7 at 02:50 UTC on November 27. Depth: 27.3 km (17 miles). Location: 1 km (1.2 miles) SE of Gaggi.
• M1.8 at 02:50 UTC on November 27. Depth: 26.1 km (16.2 miles). Location: 1 km (1.2 miles) N of Calatabiano.
• M2.1 at 13:26 UTC on November 24. Depth: 19.6 km (12.2 miles). Location: 2 km (1.2 miles) NW of Trecastagni.
• M2.1 at 10:46 UTC on November 24. Depth: 3.8 km (2.3 miles). Location: 5 km (3.1 miles) W of Milo.

You can see them all on the map below:

References:

¹ INVIO COMUNICATO GENERICO DI ATTIVITà VULCANICA, ETNA – INGV – November 30, 2023 at 04:09 UTC

Featured image credit: Boris Behncke/INGV