Deformation of Stromboli Volcano (Italy) during the 2007 eruption revealed by radar interferometry, numerical modelling and structural geological field data

The activity of Stromboli volcano is characterized by very low energy explosions, occurring every 10–15 min, throwing out lava above the crater rim. During 2007, the volcano showed an anomalous activity in which new effusive vents developed (27 February and 9 March) and a major explosion took place on 15 March. This paper presents an integrated study based on a structural geological field survey, interferometric radar monitoring and numerical modelling on the deformations of the upper NW flank of the volcano (Sciara del Fuoco — SdF). The field survey carried out during the 2007 events shows the development of mainly NE-striking fissures and fractures on the northern part of the upper SdF. In January 2007, the ground-based synthetic aperture radar (GB-InSAR), installed on the flank of the SdF, showed a progressive acceleration of movement on the NE crater preceding the eruption of 27 February 2007. By the first half of February, the acceleration also involved the upper portion of the SdF and on 27 February the eruption started with the opening of new vents and deformation rates higher than the measurement capability of the radar device. On 8–9 March 2007, the GB-InSAR highlighted the formation of a bulge on the NW sector of the SdF, preceding the opening of an additional vent. To understand the deformation pattern recorded during the eruption, a numerical simulation was carried out by using the FLAC 3D code. Based on the integration of all the data, the deformations observed in the pre-effusive phase (before 27 February) seem to be related to the intrusion of a SW–NE striking dyke. The bulging recorded before the 9 March vent opening is instead to be associated with the intrusion of a sub-horizontal sill.