Earthquake data could hold the key to predicting Mount Etna’s next eruption, study finds

Researchers at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology have developed a new method to predict Mount Etna's eruptions by analyzing earthquake patterns. The study, published in Science Advances, analyzed two decades' worth of earthquake data from Mount Etna and found a correlation between volcanic activity and the "b value," which assesses the proportion of small to large earthquakes. By plotting the "b value" over time, researchers identified early signs of volcanic eruption. This method could improve the assessment of impending eruptions and provide earlier warning for communities surrounding the volcano. Mount Etna is one of the world's most active volcanoes, with eruptive activity occurring multiple times per year. The new method aims to avoid catastrophe by providing better management of volcanic hazard and public safety.

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