Three-dimensional P-wave velocity structure of Mt. Etna, Italy

he three‐dimensional P‐wave velocity structure of Mt. Etna is determined to depths of 15 km by tomographic inversion of first arrival times from local earthquakes recorded by a network of 29 permanent and temporary seismographs. Results show a near‐vertical low‐velocity zone that extends from beneath the central craters to a depth of 10 km. This low‐velocity region is coincident with a band of steeply‐dipping seismicity, suggesting a magmatic conduit that feeds the summit eruptions. The most prominent structure is an approximately 8‐km‐diameter high‐velocity body located between 2 and 12 km depth below the southeast flank of the volcano. This high‐velocity body is interpreted as a remnant mafic intrusion that is an important structural feature influencing both volcanism and east flank slope stability and faulting