Satellite data has revealed a part of the Italian volcano moved 50cm between December 24 and 26 2018. Analysis of passing satellites including the Italian Cosmo-SkyMed and the European Sentinel satellites revealed the movement. The short, but intense eruption from Mount Etna began on December 24 and culminated in a 4.8 magnitude tremor on December 26.
The satellite data was analysed by Italian scientists who found the shape of the volcano had changed due to the intrusion of magma.
The magma rose to the surface through the new eruptive fissures, and in parts became “stuck” as shallow and deeper intrusions.
Scientists discovered the western slope of Mount Etna had moved 30cm to the west while the eastern slope 50cm to the east.
The main fault line involved was the Fiandaca fault, where the crust moved eastwards by 12-14cm and westwards by 15-17cm.
The Pernicanca fault also moved 3cm, the Raglan fault and the Borello-Ognina fault moved 2cm.
The earthquake’s epicentre was near the villages Viagrande, Trecastagni and Fleri on the southeastern side of Etna.
Italy’s institute for geophysics and vulcanology (INGV) said the earthquake hit at 3:18 am local time at a depth of 1.2 kilometres.
Mount Etna has one of Europe’s most active volcanoes and the latest eruption injured several people and damaged multiple buildings.
A nearby highway was also forced to partially close.
Two people had to be rescued from a collapsed building and around ten were taken to the hospital. 18 others were treated in hospital of their own for minor cuts and shock.
The areas around Mount Etna consist mainly of small towns and vineyards.
The eruption occurred on the side of the mountain and is the first lateral eruption in a decade.
The INGV also stated it recorded 60 other tremors higher than 2.5 on December 26.
Mount Etna has erupted regularly over the past 2,700 years.
The most recent eruptions occurred early in 2017.