The significance of the 1971 flank eruption of Etna from volcanological and historic viewpoints
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Abstract
The 1971 eruption represents a benchmark in the recent history of Etna volcano. From a
volcanological point of view, this eruption was characterised by complex intrusive dynamics
associated with significant ground deformation that induced the activation of the Moscarello
seismogenic fault and the formation of a new summit crater: the Southeast Crater. At the same
time, the 1971 event marks an important change in the eruptive style and composition of the magma
towards products richer in K. It is no coincidence that, over the next fifty years, there would be an
increase in the frequency of summit and flank eruptions and associated output rate. From an
historical viewpoint, the eruptive event of 1971 was the first important flank eruption studied by
the International Institute of Volcanology: the analysis of the scientific articles on this activity
reveals a greater multidisciplinary content in the descriptions and explanations of volcanic activity.
Particularly important were the collaborations of British and French research groups that, together
with their Italian colleagues, succeeded in giving a complete picture of the eruption and describing
the state of knowledge on the Sicilian volcano. The multidisciplinary methodology used to study this
eruption is still valid today.
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