Seismicity
—/100
Heat
—/100
Official data, in real time
Etna monitoring
Official volcano status, volcanic tremor, seismicity and heat, updated in real time from official sources. It is an informational tool: when planning your hike, our guides' assessment always prevails.
Real-time signal
Volcanic tremor
Volcanic tremor amplitude (RMS) recorded over the last 7 days at station ECPN of the INGV-OE permanent network. The three amplitude levels mean: low (green), medium (yellow), high (red).
Understanding the data
What volcanic tremor is
Volcanic tremor is a continuous, low-frequency seismic signal recorded close to active volcanoes. Unlike earthquakes — short, well-defined events — it is a persistent oscillation, typical of open-conduit volcanoes such as Etna, directly linked to the movement of magma and gas within the volcanic system.
What generates it
- Magma movement: magma rising through fractures in the crust sets the surrounding rock vibrating.
- Gas dynamics: the build-up and release of gases dissolved in the magma, with bubbles forming and bursting, produces seismic waves.
- Rock fracturing: internal pressure breaks the rock, generating further vibrations.
How it is monitored
INGV records tremor with a network of seismometers installed around the craters. The signal is filtered and summarised as RMS amplitude: this is exactly the value shown in the chart above, split into three levels — low, medium and high.
Why it matters
Tremor amplitude is one of the most sensitive indicators of the volcano's state. A rise can precede or accompany an eruptive phase, while changes over time help volcanologists interpret magma movement and assess risk.
This information is provided for educational purposes. The official reference status remains that of INGV Osservatorio Etneo; when planning your hike, our guides' assessment always prevails.