3D study of dyke-induced asymmetric graben: The 1971 Mt. Etna (Italy) case by structural data and numerical modelling

In this work, we have integrated field data and numerical models to characterise a unique dyke-induced graben system, exposed both in section and plan view, with an unexpected asymmetric fault geometry. This volcanotectonic feature is related to the 1971 eruption of Mt. Etna (southern Italy) and is located near the northern wall of the Valle del Bove, a huge depression carved into the eastern flank of the edifice. A new structural map and quantitative data were obtained from the analysis of aerial stereophotos collected before the onset of the 1971 eruption and after, high-resolution drone-derived models and field surveys carried out in the summer of 2022. In plan view, the graben is 2-km-long and its width ranges 27–143 m from the bottom to the upper part of the section view, with about 82 m of difference in elevation from top to bottom. Graben faults clearly show an asymmetric setting in terms of attitude, with one fault that dips 70° to the south, and the other one that dips 50° to the north. Vertical offset values are greater at higher elevations. We also ran a set of numerical models, aimed at investigating the distribution and orientation of stresses around the inferred dyke tip and in the host rock. The comparison between field data and numerical models suggests a key role of the inclined topography, as shown in section view, in determining the orientation of dyke-induced σ₁ and σ₃ in the host rock. This, in turn, controls the geometry of the graben faults, resulting in the observed asymmetric setting. Additionally, dyke-induced stress concentrations and vertical offset values support the hypothesis of a downward propagation of the graben faults, from the surface down to the dyke tip.