Clustering of seismicity at Mt. Etna

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 ascending magma. Understanding the seismic behaviour of fault systems and their relationship to volcanic and seismic phenomena may provide a useful contribution to a better understanding of dynamic processes at Mt. Etna. The seismicity in two periods (1874–1913 and 1981–1996), which include some important eruptions, have been analysed. Quantitative analysis of seismicity has been performed. Calculating fractal dimension allows us to distinguish between 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.