The aim of this study is to understand the seismic characteristics of fault
systems, which play key roles in the geodynamics of the Mt. Etna and the a
scending magma. Understanding the seismic behaviour of fault systems and th
eir relationship to volcanic and seismic phenomena may provide a useful con
tribution to a better understanding of dynamic processes at Mt. Etna. The s
eismicity in two periods (1874-1923 and 1981-1996), which include some impo
rtant eruptions, have been analysed. Quantitative analysis of seismicity ha
s been performed. Calculating fractal dimension allows us to distinguish be
tween random, periodic and clustered scale-invariant time distributions of
volcanic events. Correlations between fractal clustering evolution at long,
mid and short term and eruptive processes has been found. (C) 2000 Elsevie
r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.