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Abstract
Volcanologists aim to predict the likelihood, magnitude, and style of volcanic eruptions. Mt Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, has the capability to produce eruptions with intensities ranging from effusive lava flows to explosive Plinian eruptions. To resolve eruptive style and intensity, it is key to determine the physical and chemical conditions leading to magma unrest. To investigate this relationship, here I present a systematic microstructural and geochemical analysis of volcanic tephra erupted during 9 volcanic paroxysm events of Mt. Etna in the period February 2021 to February 2022, along with tephra erupted from the 122 BC Plinian eruption. Our findings suggest that intense volcanic eruptions at Mt Etna are linked to CO2-rich fluids trapped within isolated pores that favor gas accumulation and vesiculation.