F. Ferrucci et D. Patane, SEISMIC ACTIVITY ACCOMPANYING THE OUTBREAK OF THE 1991-1993 ERUPTION OF MT-ETNA (ITALY), Journal of volcanology and geothermal research, 57(1-2), 1993, pp. 125-135
The character and location of seismic activity accompanying the onset
of the 1991-1993 eruption at Mt. Etna are compatible with the surface
evidence of the volcanic pile rupture. Both the epicentral distributio
n and the focal mechanisms of a swarm that occurred on December 14, 19
91, agree with magma ascent occurring along the main NNW-SSE-trending
structure of the volcano and the consequent opening of a system of eff
usive fissures with the same trend. A typical mainshock-aftershock seq
uence, recorded the day after and indicating transcurrent displacement
occurring along the second-principal structure of Etna (NE-SW), depic
ts the tectonic response of the volcanic pile and the underlying basem
ent to major stresses applied by the magma push.