Mapping and evaluating kinematics and the stress and strain field at active faults and fissures: a comparison between field and drone data at the NE rift, Mt Etna (Italy)

Abstract. We collected drone data to quantify the kinematics at extensional fractures and normal faults, integrated this information with seismological reconstruct stress field, critically compared results previous fieldwork assess best practice. As a key site, we analyzed sector of northeast rift Mt Etna, an area affected by continuous ground deformation linked gravity sliding volcano's eastern flank dike injections. The studied is characterized also existence eruptive craters fissures lava flows. This work shows that segment series NNE- NE-striking, parallel opening mode along average N105.7∘ vector. field σHmin trending northwest–southeast. Normal faults strike fractures. strain obtained cumulating net offset fault heave gives stretching ratio 1.003 in northeastern part study 1.005 southwestern part. Given maximum age 1614 CE for lavas, extension rate 1.9 cm yr−1 last 406 years. value consistent slip Pernicana Fault system, confirming NE structures accommodate volcano.