Volcanic and Seismic Activity at Stromboli Preceding the 2002-2003 Flank Eruption

Regular surveys with a thermal camera from both ground- and helicopter-based surveys have been carried out on Stromboli since October 2001. This data set allowed us to detect morphological changes in Stromboli's summit craters produced by major explosions and to track an increase in volcanic activity associated with a heightened magma level within the main conduit that preceded the 2002-2003 effusive eruption. Together with thermal measurements, geophysical surveys performed in May and September/October 2002 highlighted clear increases in the amplitude of very long period (VLP) events, consistent with the ascent of the magma column above the VLP source region. The increased magma level was probably induced by elevated pressure in the deep feeding system, controlled by regional tectonic stress. This, in turn, pressurized the uppermost part of the crater terrace, producing greater soil permeability and soil degassing. Eventually, the magma loading caused the NW flank of the summit craters to fracture, allowing lava to flood out at high effusion rates on 28 December 2002, starting an approximately 6-month-long effusive eruption.