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Knowledge of Etna's eruptions has been profoundly influenced by the illustrations, though these can only provide limited information on the lava flows and their effects on the territory. Indeed, the absence of iconographic sources or again the disparity between the physical reality and the illustrations has led to many gaps and uncertainties that have lasted for centuries. This paper traces the progress of the representations of the historical eruptions of Etna volcano, from the earliest attempts in the 17th century, be they iconographic documents or pictorial illustrations, to the modern geological cartography of 21st century. It seeks to reconstruct the evolution of the history and methods of representing Etnean eruptions, highlighting the crucial steps in the progress of knowledge on the historical flank eruptions. The turning point in the long process of drawing and rendering the eruptions of Etna came with the work of Sartorius von Waltershausen, with the realization of the first geological map of the volcano at a 1:50,000 scale between 1836 and 1843. In this long history of the representations of eruptions, begun in the 17th century, Sartorius' cartography finally overcame the problem of rendering these events in space by inserting the notion of history in the map. What now remained for those engaged in mapping the volcano was to solve the issue of defining the "time" of Etna's historical lava flows. This would be tackled only at the end of the 20th century with a multidisciplinary approach comprising stratigraphy, historiographical studies and the dating of the lavas. In this frame, the present state of the knowledge of the flank eruptions occurring on Etna in the past 2500 year has evidenced that during the Greek-Roman and Medieval epochs up to the 17th century flank eruptions commonly involved the middle-lower slopes, impacting mainly the south sector of the volcano with the location of the eruptive fissure sometimes below 1000 m of altitude. This eruptive behavior of the volcano has been radically modified following the occurrence of the large 1669 eruptions since the opening of the fissures was mainly concentrated in the upper-middle slopes between 1600 m and 2500 m a.s.l. • A marked increase in the illustrations of Etna's eruptions is related to the major 1669 event • Sartorius's geological map remained the enduring benchmark on the knowledge of the eruptive history right up the 1900 • The opening of fissures at low elevation were common during the Ancient and Medieval periods • During the last 340 years, no flank eruptions have occurred below 1000 m of altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work introduces a new Ground Motion Model (GMM) to predict the horizontal and vertical components of PGA, PGV and acceleration response spectra up to 5s for the volcanic events in Italy. The model updates the GMM for the horizontal components, recently developed by Lanzano & Luzi [1], and shows relevant amplitudes in near-source and a frequency content richer in intermediate-to-low frequencies. The comparison with an event not used for the calibration and belonging to another volcanic district in Italy is promising for the extension of the model to other areas. Finally, we present a case study of a site, in the proximity of Mount Etna in eastern Sicily region, which allows us to evaluate the impact of these models in the framework of a Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA). • a ground motion model for the vertical component of volcanic earthquakes in Italy is proposed. • The ground motion can be high in near-source conditions for shallower events. • The shallow volcanic events attenuates with distance rapidly than the active crustal ones. • The peak frequency content of volcanic events is shifted to lower frequencies. • a PSHA case study is discussed with focus on the impact of the use of the GMM proposed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The ROBEX (Robotic Exploration of Extreme Environments) alliance, as formed by the German Helmholtz association, aims to explore synergies and bring together technological challenges and scientific questions between two, up to now unrelated, fields: space and deep sea. The final goal of the alliance targets field tests for available and newly developed instrumentation for the deep sea and on a terrestrial lunar analogue. In this regard, two different test campaigns were conducted, one in the area of Svalbard, Norway and one on mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. The volcano environment served as a lunar analogue, enabling seismic scientific experiments and testing of robotic mobility algorithms. The complete field mission infrastructure consists of a stationary lander, a mobile element and instrument carriers. The modular instrument carrier, commonly referred as Remote Unit (RU), was developed accounting for two different mass requirements: 3 kg (RU3) and 10 kg (RU10). While developed in the frame of ROBEX resumes the idea of a lightweight instrument carrier as developed for the MASCOT (Mobile Asteroid surface scout) mission. The RU houses the instrument, shelters it and provides all essential support functions such as rudimentary thermal control (via foil covering), power provision, data acquisition and handling and data transmission to the control centre. This paper presents theoretical and experimental results of the RU3 power subsystem analysis during the mount Etna field campaign. Drawing upon this analysis, necessary adjustments and revisions to further develop the system towards a more power efficient structure for terrestrial and extraterrestrial usage can be concluded. Highlights • RU suitable for harsh environments-space analog demonstration missions. • Test Data confirmed theoretical estimations for power management and consumption. • RU suitable for planetary exploration investigated (exemplary Moon application). • RU capable of surviving a complete lunar day when outfitted with photovoltaic cells. • A qualitative outlook on needed adaptations, focused on mass savings was considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present new data from 226 Ra– 230 Th dating and archaeomagnetism with the aim of improving the knowledge of the flank eruptions that occurred at Mt Etna during the Greek–Roman and Early Medieval periods, as defined in the new geological map of the volcano. The combination of the two dating techniques demonstrates that three major flank eruptions occurred on the lower north and west flanks during Greek–Roman epochs, producing large scoria cones and extensive lava flows. In particular, the Mt Ruvolo and Mt Minardo events highly impacted the territory of the west flank, notably by damming the Simeto River. The new data of the Millicucco and Due Monti lava flows, on the lower north–east flank, indicate a younger age than their stratigraphic ages quoted in the 2011 geological map, since they occurred around 700 and 500 AD, respectively. None of the large flank eruptions occurring on the lower slopes of Etna during the Early Medieval age are reported in the historical sources. Overall, our paper shows that a comprehensive assessment of eruptions at Mount Etna in the last three millennia can only be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of a physical and mechanical characterization of a compressible and crushable volcanic ash collected during a recent eruptive event of Mount Etna. The characterization of this complex natural material required appropriate equipment, to carry out a comprehensive experimental programme, and a rigorous scientific approach to critically analyze the experimental results and put them in the theoretical framework of soil mechanics and of critical state theory. The experimental activities involved X-ray diffractometry, electron scanning microscopy ( SEM ) and one-dimensional compression tests carried out on both wet and dry soil specimens characterized by different initial densities. To examine the effects of loading on the evolution of the micro-structure, both the particle size distribution and the particle shape, before and after the tests, were analyzed through a dynamic image analysis using several size and shape parameters. The experimental results show that grain crushing becomes evident at vertical pressures larger than 1 MPa whereas it seems to be progressively inhibited for pressures larger than 10 MPa. Furthermore, regardless the initial void ratio of the soil specimens, at high stresses the obtained non-linear e −log σ′ v relationship converges toward a unique limiting compression curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the first days of December 2015, there were four paroxysmal events at the “Voragine” crater on Mount Etna, which were among the most violent observed during the last two decades. A few days after the “Voragine” paroxysms, the Pernicana – Provenzana fault system, located near the crater area, underwent an intense seismic swarm with a maximum “local” magnitude M L of 3.6. This paper investigates the relationship between the eruptive phenomenon and the faulting process in terms of Coulomb stress changes. The recorded seismicity is compatible with a multicausal stress redistribution inside the volcano edifice, occurring after the four paroxysmal episodes that interrupted the usual trend of inflation observed at Mt. Etna. The recorded seismicity falls within the framework of a complex chain of various and intercorrelated processes that started with the inflation preparing the “Voragine” magmatic activity. This was followed with the rapid deflation of the volcano edifice during the paroxysmal episodes. We determined that the recorded deflation was not the direct cause of the seismic swarm. In fact, the associated Coulomb stress change, in the area of seismic swarm, was of about −1 [bar]. Instead, the fast deflation caused the rarely observed inversion of dislocation in the eastern flank at the same time as intense hydrothermal activity that, consequently, underwent an alteration. This process probably reduced the friction along the fault system. Then, the new phase of inflation, observed at the end of the magmatic activity, triggered the faulting processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive laboratory characterization of volcanic rocks belonging to the 1669 lava flow of Mount Etna, recognized as one of the largest and most catastrophic event ever occurred, is presented herein with the aim of investigating on their peculiar mechanical attitude. The multi-disciplinary approach proposed herein pointed out that although originated by the same eruptive event, 1669 trachybasaltic lavas are characterized by relevant differences in porosity and rock fabric, from both the qualitative and quantitative points of view. This is an interesting aspect, because such rocks are quarried for the production of high quality material to be employed for engineering geological purposes even in the "Val di Noto" UNESCO World Heritage site. In this perspective, their detailed characterization is an essential practice, even preparatory for the engineering geological use. To this purpose, this paper provides a focus on the laboratory investigation of these rocks, which according to three different porosity classes, underwent petrographic, physical, mechanical and seismic analyses. Interesting statistical correlations allowed understanding the mutual dependence of the main engineering geological parameters, highlighting how porosity, through both vesicles and microcracks, plays a leading role from the engineering geological point of view. Achieved results provide a scientific casuistry on this topic and are a reliable reference for studies on similar rock types worldwide, since lavas are among the most used rock materials in the engineering geological practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mount Etna in Sicily (Italy) shows > 2500 years of interactions between volcanic eruptions and human activity, and these are well documented in historical sources. During the last 400 years, flank eruptions have had major impacts on the urban fabric of the Etna region, especially in 1651–54, 1669, 1923 and 1928, and it is the last of these which is the focus of this paper. A detailed field and historical reconstruction of the 1928 eruption is presented which allows three themes to be discussed: the evolution of the flow field, lava volume and average magma discharge rate trend; the eruption's human impact, particularly the destruction of the town of Mascali; and the recovery of the region with re-construction of Mascali in a new location. Detailed mapping of lava flows allowed the following dimensions to be calculated: total area, 4.38 × 10 6 m 2 ; maximum length, 9.4 km; volume, 52.91 ± 5.21 × 10 6 m 3 and an average effusion rate of 38.5 m 3 s − 1 . Time-averaged discharged rates are calculated allowing the reconstruction of their temporal variations during the course of the eruption evidencing a high maximum effusion rate of 374 m 3 s − 1 . These trends, in particular with regard to the Lower Fissure main phase of the eruption, are in accordance with the ‘idealized discharge model’ of Wadge (1981), proposed for basaltic eruptions driven by de-pressurization of magma sources, mainly through reservoir relaxation (i.e. elastic contraction of a magma body). The eruption took place when Italy was governed by Mussolini and the fascist party. The State response both, during and in the immediate aftermath of the eruption and in the years that followed during which Mascali was reconstructed, was impressive. This masked a less benign legacy, however, that can be traced for several subsequent decades of using responses to natural catastrophes to manufacture State prestige by reacting to, rather than planning for, disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emission of gases and aerosols due to volcanic activity may impact significantly atmospheric composition, cloud occurrence and properties, and the regional and global climate. While the effects of strong explosive (stratospheric) eruptions are relatively well known, limited information on the impacts of small to moderate volcanic activities, including passive degassing, is available. In this paper, the downwind impact of Mount Etna's sulfur emissions on the central Mediterranean is investigated on a statistical basis over the period 2000–2013 using: (a) daily sulfur dioxide emission rates measured near crater at Mount Etna with ground-based ultraviolet spectrophotometers, (b) Lagrangian trajectories and simulated plume dispersion obtained with the FLEXPART (FLEXible PARTicle dispersion) model, and (c) long-term observations of column SO 2 concentration and aerosol Ångström exponent α at Lampedusa (35.5° N, 12.6° E). This statistical analysis has allowed, for the first time, the characterization of decadal impact of Mount Etna's sulfur emissions on the sulfur dioxide and the aerosol microphysical/optical properties in the central Mediterranean. On average, statistically significant higher SO 2 concentrations and smaller aerosol sizes are present when air masses from Mount Etna overpass Lampedusa. Despite being upwind of Lampedusa for only 5% of the time, Mount Etna is potentially responsible for up to 40% and 20% of the SO 2 and α extreme values (exceedances of a fixed threshold), respectively, at this location. The most important factor determining this perturbation is the prevailing dynamics, while the magnitude of the SO 2 emission rates from Mount Etna appears to be likely important only for relatively strong emissions. The observed perturbations to the aerosol size distribution are expected to produce a direct regional radiative effect in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Volcanic-ash AA mortars, have been tested on damaged mosaics of Monreale Cathedral. • Bedding AA mortars have been applied for the reposition of detached tesserae. • Replicates of the mosaic decorations engraving and painting AA mortars were tested. • Pre-casted colored alkaline activated mortars have been created. • Colorimetric differences between original tesserae and new AAMs have been evaluated. This paper describes for the first time a case-study regarding the applicability of alkali activated mortars based on volcanic-ash (Mt. Etna) directly on-site on a UNESCO Heritage site known worldwide, the Monreale Cathedral (Sicily, Italy). In the perspective of "Advanced Green Materials for Cultural Heritage" project, small damaged areas of the mosaics were selected to test the application of bedding mortars for the filling of lacunae and the repositioning of detached original tesserae , as well as the replication of the mosaic decorations by engraving and painting on the finishing mortars or by the realization of new pre-casted tesserae. Both the critical aspects of preparation and the steps taken to improve operative conditions (e.g. use of Ca-additive) have been highlighted. The monitoring of results over time confirms the intervention's success, representing in this way a pioneering on-site cultural heritage application of these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preceded by 14 days of intense seismic activity, a new eruption started on the south flank of Mt. Etna, Sicily (Italy) early in the morning of 11 March 1669 opening up a series of NS eruptive fissures. The eruption is one of the most destructive flank eruptions of Etna in historical times; it lasted until 11 July, and was characterized by simultaneous explosive and effusive activity during the first three months, while only lava flow output in the last month. The activity built up the large composite cone of the “Monti Rossi” at the lower end of the eruptive fissures, and caused severe damage to the nearby inhabited areas. The prolonged effusive activity generated lava flows for > 15 km, which destroyed several villages and the western part of the town of Catania before reaching the coastline and entering the sea. In this paper, we examine the tephro-stratigraphy of the products of the explosive activity. An in-depth analysis of historical accounts was used to define the chronology of the main eruptive phases (precursors, explosive activity and initial effusive phenomena). The geology of the cone and of the fallout deposits were defined through a field survey over a distance of 5 km from the Monti Rossi. Textural (grain-size, morphological, componentry), density and petrological analyses of tephra samples provided a sedimentological, physical and geochemical characterization of erupted products. Integrating ground and historical data enabled defining the evolution of the cone, identifying and correlating four main cone-forming units. By tracing the dispersal map of the main distal tephra beds (the finer ash being dispersed mainly to the NE as far as Calabria and to the south of Sicily and the 10-cm isopach of the total deposit covering an area up to 53 km 2 ), we estimated a total tephra fallout volume, including the Monti Rossi cone, of about 6.6 × 10 7 m 3 (about 3.2 × 10 7 m 3 DRE). The 1669 event can be considered an archetype of the most hazardous expected eruption on the densely populated flanks of Etna. Reconstructing the eruptive chronology and styles of the 1669 eruption therefore, represents the basic data to assess volcanic hazard from eventual similar flank events in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Inorganic polymers from volcanic ash mixed with soda lime glass. • Activation with limited NaOH content. • Transformation into cellular glass-ceramics as recycling option by heat treatment. • Direct foaming yielding highly porous glass-ceramics after heat treatment. Volcanic ash, according to the large amount of silica and alumina, may be considered as feedstock for geopolymers. However, the relatively low reactivity, mostly due to the relatively low amount of amorphous phase, implies the introduction of ash as minor component in complex mixtures and the activation with highly concentrated alkaline solutions. This paper aims at improving the sustainability of ash conversion into inorganic polymers with adequate strength-to-density ratio, by minimizing the addition of valuable compounds and including discarded material. Fine powders of volcanic ash from Mt Etna (Italy), in fact, were activated with NaOH solutions at low molarity (3 M), with a variable water/solid ratio (0.35–0.42), after mixing with waste glass powders, from cullet purification. The adopted ash/glass proportion (50 wt%-50 wt%) was intended to favour the reuse of inorganic polymers, by firing at 950 °C, in turn causing the transformation into porous glass-ceramics with a remarkable strength-to-density ratio. A significant foaming was effectively observed, due to decomposition of hydrated alkali alumino-silicates developed upon hardening. Foams with excellent strength-to-density ratio were also obtained by thermal transformation of highly porous cold consolidated materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a large, active volcano, Mt Etna presents a complex soil-forming environment, with a spatial diversity of lava-flow age, tephra deposition, local climate and agriculture. Following a review of previous published research on Etna's soils, this paper analyses physical and chemical data for 23 profiles between 120 m and 1030 m elevation, on all flanks of the volcano, with the aim of characterising the soils and determining the extent to which the chief controls on their nature and geography may be identified. Soils are sampled across a chronosequence of lava flows, dating from 72 yr to between 28 ka and 42 ka BP, which occur in conditions of diverse land use and local climate. Ages of flows > 3000 yr are only broadly constrained. The majority of soils comprise mostly tephra. Chief soil processes inferred have been identified in previous published research on Mt Etna: accumulation of soil organic matter, rapid loss of Na and production of fine-grained materials, particularly those inferred to be of short-range order. Other developments are soil structural formation and evidence of increasing soil mesofaunal activity. Despite the complexity of environmental diversity and spatial variation in tephra deposition, a number of soil properties (including: material <.020 mm; organic C; organic N; C/N; pH; total Na; extractable phases of Fe and Al) are statistically related to age of lava flow, most of these also related to annual rainfall. That a number of statistically significant relationships with age of flow also hold for near ground-surface samples is unexpected and unexplained. Two areas which require further research are the precise impacts of tephra deposition on development of Etnean soils, and processes of weathering and related pedogenesis at the soil–lava bedrock interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A close relationship between earthquake swarms, volcanic eruptions, and ground deformation at Mt. Etna was well documented shortly before the beginning of the July–August 2001 eruption. Past experiences at this volcano suggest how magma/dike intrusion in the shallow crust or in the upper part of the volcanic pile normally occurs after several years/months of internal recharging. Since seismic investigations provide a means to study the scale and origin of stress perturbations at active volcanoes, allowing to better investigating the preparation phase of an eruption, in this paper, we performed a close examination of the seismic activity recorded at Mt. Etna in the months preceding the 2001 eruption and in particular between November 2000 and July 2001. After integrating data recorded by the two networks operating during that time and run by the Istituto Internazionale di Vulcanologia and SISTEMA POSEIDON, we relocated 522 earthquakes by using the tomoDD code in a 3D velocity model, and then we computed their fault plane solutions. The application of different selection criteria enabled obtaining a good-quality revised data set consisting of 111 fault plane solutions. The high-precision locations identified well-defined seismic clusters, in different periods, suggesting a link with the magma migration from a depth of 8–13 km b.s.l. towards shallower zones. Moreover, the computed maximum compressive stress axis, as inferred from earthquake focal mechanisms, indicated a roughly W-E-oriented σ 1 . This findings reflect an overpressure of the mid to shallow crust due to the progressive magma uprising in central portion of the volcano and also highlighted a rotation of the local stress field with respect to the regional one N-S trending. In addition, P-axis distribution pointed out the presence of a center of pressure located to the south of the Central Craters. These results provide particularly compelling evidence for a direct causal link between pressurization of the mid-level volcanic plumbing system by ascending magma and precursory local stress field reorientations, demonstrating that seismological analysis can be used to detect subtle local stress changes that herald eruptive activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large expanses of lava field and soils spread out around Mt. Etna volcano (Italy), make unique the landscape of the whole area. In this work, we investigated a sample set of a peculiar aggregate locally named with the term "Ghiara" collected in different outcrops of Mt. Etna volcano southern flank. A distinctive character of this material is that it is found exclusively beneath solidified lava flows. In past centuries, Ghiara was widely employed in construction field for its reddish hue and the high pozzolanic activity; for the same reasons it has now raised the interest of the scientific community involved in the formulation and production of eco-friendly materials as alternative to the traditional ones. The aim of this paper is to define its chemical and mineralogical characters and to provide a model for its genesis. We conducted a multidisciplinary analytical approach, complementary to the few investigations reported in literature, in order to define the chemical compositions by means of X-ray fluorescence (XRF), the mineralogy through synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and spectroscopic features by Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) methods. The analytical results show that the original Etnean paleosoils, mainly given by pyroclastic fall and accumulation, underwent marked modifications that produced the unique mineral assemblage of the Ghiara, characterized by the presence of hematite, a mineral responsible for its reddish appearance. The heterogeneity of the samples, however, does not allow us to define a univocal genetic model. On the basis of the outcrops geometry and the environmental conditions we propose a range of models that fit the characters of each sample. In detail, the genesis of this material can be influenced by one or all the following phenomena: i) chemical oxidation, ii) biological oxidation and iii) hydrothermal transformation by interaction of meteoric waters with volcanic volatiles from lavas. This work represents a first contribute in the knowledge of Ghiara characters and genesis, which on one side will help to a better use in its employment for construction purposes, on the other will contribute to constrain the hematite formation processes in different environments. • Ghiara reddish aggregate outcrops at Mount Etna beneath solidified lava flows. • Full chemical and mineralogical characterization is provided for the first time. • Reddish aspect is related to abundant neoformed hematite minerals in paleosoil. • Genesis occurs by chemical/biological/hydrothermal oxidation of the paleosoil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their paper Schambach et al. (2020) present a dual (seismic and landslide source) modelling of the 1908 Messina tsunami. Their contribution highlights the fact that a multiple source is required to model the 1908 tsunami event. However, both the seismogenic fault and the submarine mass failure adopted by Schambach et al. are geologically poorly constrained. Dual-source modelling can satisfactorily fit to observations but the source components should be based on geological ground. Various authors have explored the contribution of submarine landslides into the 1908 tsunami generation; it could also be of interest, however, to consider the possible tsunamigenic contribution of secondary faults. • Multiple source models are required for the Messina 1908 tsunami. • Poor geological evidence for the tsunamigenic sources adopted by Schambach et al. • No high angle Messina-Tormina Fault in both morpho-bathymetry and seismic profiles. • The 2 km3 submarine landslide off of Mt. Etna is likely older than 1908. • Within the possibilities an additional tsunamigenic fault source could be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite Mt. Etna's long-standing reputation as an effusive volcano, since 1986 there has been an evident increase in mid-intensity explosive eruptions from its summit craters, with more than 240 episodes, better known as paroxysms (otherwise called paroxysmal episodes). These are characterized by strong Strombolian to lava fountaining activity that lasts from tens of minutes to a few days, producing some km-high volcanic plumes and tephra fallouts up to hundreds of km on the ground. Most paroxysms give life to sequences which are clustered like "episodic" eruptions for periods of a few days to a few months, their frequent recurrence causing hazard to air traffic and impacting densely inhabited areas. Nonetheless, a list containing the dates and data of these eruptions is lacking. In this paper, we tried to fill this gap by compiling a complete record, including master data (date, crater), eruption style and seismic parameters for identifying, characterizing and quantifying both the individual episodes and the entire period. This information comes from a critical review of surveillance reports, raw-data analysis and scientific literature. A retrieval of homogenous and comparable seismic data was possible only for episodes after 2006 following the renewal of seismic stations. The eruption list provides a complete picture of the 1986–2021 paroxysms, allowing to evaluate their temporal distribution, make a statistical analysis of their time-interval, and undertake a comprehensive investigation of the features of volcanic tremor. The results show a high probability (72%) of having a paroxysmal episode in the 10 days following the previous one. Moreover, a scaling relationship associated with the number-size distribution of the amplitude increases of volcanic tremor accompanying the explosive activities has been constrained. During sequences of paroxysms, combining these outputs can help improve the hazard assessment in terms of frequency of the associated tephra fallouts, and predict the duration of the entire sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ceramic test-tiles manufactured by using volcanic ashes as a-plastic component. • Physical-mechanical tests carried out to assess the quality of the products obtained. • Ash recovering resulted to be highly promising in this sector of building materials. • A paradigm shift leading to consider ashes no longer as waste but as a resource. • Reduced costs by local administrations for the disposal of volcanic ash in landfills. The paper deals with an experimental study aimed at assessing the possible re-use of volcanic ash as temper in the manufacture of ceramic tiles. Needing to find end of waste alternatives for this material arises from the awareness that the fall-out of large quantities of ash in active volcanic areas causes many inconveniences to communities living and working in close proximity to the volcano. Volcanic ashes recently erupted by Mount Etna volcano have been here chosen as case study for these purposes. Ceramic test-tiles were manufactured by mixing volcanic ash with a calcareous clayey raw material, by using specific proportions of clay/temper. In order to assess the quality of the products, the tiles underwent several physical–mechanical tests including: a) water absorption; b) bending resistance; c) impact resistance; d) resistance to deep abrasion; e) thermal shock resistance; f) frost resistance; and g) accelerated aging test by salt crystallization. The obtained results have been then compared with those of a reference product manufactured by using another volcanic material known as azolo (i.e., ground basalt) for a long time on the market. Our data demonstrate how basaltic ash recovering through this methodological approach is highly promising in the sector of building materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]