Tephra characterization and multi-disciplinary determination of Eruptive Source Parameters of a weak paroxysm at Mount Etna (Italy)

The determination of Eruptive Source Parameters (ESPs) is a major challenge especially for weak volcanic explosions associated with poorly exposed tephra-fallout deposits. In such case, the combination deposit analyses and remote sensing observations can provide fundamental insights. We use 29 August 2011 paroxysm at Mount Etna (Italy) as case study to discuss some challenges multi-disciplinary ESPs First, we have determined erupted mass from field synthetic data fill significant gap in sampling; been derived based on extrapolation validated comparisons other tephra deposits TEPHRA2 modelling. Second, combined estimates grain-size distribution both satellite retrievals. Analytical modelling was applied characterize size fractions most likely represented retrievals deposits, respectively. addition, Rosin-Rammler fitting shown inform missing parts distributions reproduce tail very fine ash (1–20 ?m) whose proportion close (1.3–1.6% versus 1.9%, respectively). Finally, it found that this very-fine-ash fraction increases function satellite-derived Mass Eruption Rate set eruptions which independent are available. This critical observations, analytical demonstrates potential importance multidisciplinary strategies derivation even small-size explosive events Mt. Etna.