Modelling the long‐term deformation of the sedimentary substrate of Mt. Etna volcano (Italy)

Abstract

This study investigates in detail the deformation events that have affected the sedimentary successions forming the substrate of Mt. Etna volcano (Italy). Based on the geometric reconstruction of a buried sedimentary marker, we have been able to identify and quantify the effects of three different mechanisms of deformation that have affected the area in the last 600 ka. Numerical results from Finite Element Method (FEM) applied to model viscoelastic deformation suggest the occurrence of a crustal doming process originating at the mantle-crust transition (~16 km). We propose that the source of deformation is related to the diapiric uprise of hydrothermal material originating in altered ocean-like crust and its emplacement at a shallower level in the crust. This process has great relevance in the volcanic system and should be considered for the full assessment of its origin and evolution.

Size distributions of fractures, dykes, and eruptions on Etna, Italy: Implications for magma-chamber volume and eruption potential

“…The volcanic edifice itself rests on a sedimentary basement which reaches the elevation of about 1100 m a.s.l. The entire area has experienced a large crustal-doming episode since 600 ka which has been interpreted as the result of emplacement of altered oceanic crustal material in the deepest parts of the crust 9 , 10 .…”

Time and space scattered volcanism of Mt. Etna driven by strike-slip tectonics

“…The lack of allochthonous seismo-stratigraphic units offshore of southeastern Etna strongly supports our inference, suggesting also that the most advanced allochthonous nappes of the collisional belt are located further to the northwest, beneath the volcanic pile, as also proposed by ref. 68 .…”