Investigating volcano dynamics by seismic signals

Active volcanoes generate a huge variety of seismic signals. Generally, two different groups of signals can be distinguished: the first, caused by processes originating in the solid Earth, is associated with shear failure in volcanoes, and the related seismic events are called volcano-tectonic earthquakes; the second, the so-called ‘‘seismo-volcanic signals’’, are generated by processes involving fluids and comprise volcanic tremor, long period events, very long period events, hybrid events. The study of these signals provides information to reconstruct the inner structure of the volcanoes also in terms of plumbing system geometry, to investigate the fluid dynamics, to monitor the variation in the state of the volcano.

This traineeship position is specifically aimed at acquiring the fundamentals of studying and analysing of seismic signals in volcanic environment, with specific application on seismic signals generated by Mt. Etna. At the end of the period, the trainee should have independence in identifying and interpreting the different kinds of seismic signals recorded in volcanic environment.