The Meteor M198 expedition, organized by the Geomar oceanographic research center in Kiel (Germany), has come to a close after thirteen days of navigation off the coast of Catania. The goal of this scientific cruise was to investigate the submerged portions of the south-eastern flank of Etna, the ever-active volcano beneath the waters of the Mediterranean.
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology also joined forces with the international research team on board to monitor Etna’s slow but progressive movements. Alessandro Bonforte, an INGV researcher on board, explained that while Etna’s movements are generally not dangerous, they can become substantial under certain conditions, leading to events like underwater landslides.
To collect necessary data, a multidisciplinary approach was taken by the researchers onboard the Meteor vessel. This included rock and sediment sampling, seabed mapping using sonar and underwater drones, and geodetic techniques to measure relative sliding movements beneath the sea. These measurements helped detect active deformation on the Acitrezza fault up to 1200 meters deep.
In addition to these techniques, piezometers were installed to measure pressure and temperature changes in water within the first 5 meters of sediment on the seabed near the fault. This technique aims to understand if changes in fluid characteristics inside the volcano can anticipate movements of the flank. Each oceanographic campaign adds new questions that researchers will address in subsequent campaigns for a deeper understanding of Etna.
The Meteor M198 expedition has provided valuable insights into Etna’s dynamic behavior beneath the waves. As such, it highlights how important it is for researchers to continue studying volcanic activity through multidisciplinary approaches and cutting-edge technology.
