Divulgazione e didattica
Sei qui: Home > News > Infrasound Array Dataset of the 2021 Eruptive Paroxysms of Etna Volcano

Infrasound Array Dataset of the 2021 Eruptive Paroxysms of Etna Volcano

Nature - Scientific Data, Zuccarello et al. 2026 - Figure 6
Figure 6 Waveform and spectral characteristics of infrasonic signals from South-East crater and Bocca Nuova/ Voragine craters. a-c). Representative normalized infrasonic waveforms from seven explosive events at the SE and BN/VOR craters are shown. Individual waveforms are depicted in light grey, while the ensemble average is indicated in red. (b-d) Mean power spectral density (PSD) of the SE/NSEC and BN/VOR crater events (black lines), averaged over all waveforms (light grey lines)

Zuccarello L., D. Gheri, S. De Angelis, A. Garcia-Yeguas (2026).
Nature – Scientific Data. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-026-06638-0

Abstract

Infrasound is a valuable tool for volcano monitoring that can offer critical insights into volcanic processes, unrest and eruption. Over the last two decades, studies have shown the benefits of using local infrasound arrays – clusters of sensors near active vents – for real-time detection, tracking, and quantifying eruption intensity. This work introduces the first open-access dataset of infrasound array waveforms recorded at Mt. Etna, Italy, from May to October 2021 during intense eruptive activity. The 6-element array was installed at Monte Conca, near a permanent seismic station operated by the Istituto di Geofisica e Vulcanologia – Osservatorio Etneo, at about 6 km from the South-East Crater. The continuous monitoring captured 39 eruptions, successfully detecting all events, tracking their progression, and distinguishing activity from multiple vents. This manuscript details the array setup and summarizes volcanic activity during deployment, supporting future research and monitoring efforts. The dataset aims to aid development of early warning systems and serves as a valuable training tool for early-career scientists in the fields of volcano monitoring.