Time seismicity patterns affecting local and regional fault systems in the Etna region: preliminary results for the period 1874-1913

An analysis of time correlation function and fractal dimension has been performed on the seismic activity that affected Mt Etna Volcano (Italy) during 1874-1913 in order to investigate the behaviour of some suspected magma controlling regional fault systems. The time span considered has been characterized by intense seismic and volcanic activity, with eight flank eruptions mainly occurring along the same north-south fissure system. The analysis of historical sources has been used to revise and improve the seismic catalogue; all macroseismic information has been reinterpreted using the new European Macroseismic Scale 1998 (EMS). The results contribute to the definition of the seismic behaviour of some regional fault systems relevant to the geodynamics of the area and provide some insights into the dynamic processes of Mt Etna volcano. Keywords: seismotectonics, eruptions, autocorrelation, cross-correlation, fractal analysis, Mount Etna.