Detecting Etna Explosive Activity by X- and C-Band Radars

Today, different ground-based systems are used to detect and monitor the main features of an explosive volcanic activity. Among them, the weather radar has proved particularly useful in volcanic monitoring. In this work, we analyse radar data related to the volcanic eruption occurring on 12 November 2023 at Mt. Etna, in Italy, observed simultaneously by the C-band radar in Monte Lauro (Siracusa) and by the X-band radar in Reggio Calabria. We apply the consolidated Volcanic Ash Radar Retrieval methodology to radar measurements in order to characterize this event in terms of Mass Eruption Rate, Tephra Mass and Top Plume Height. The different capacity of the two radars in observing this event allows us to better characterize the different phases of the explosive volcanic event, showing the benefits in combining estimations of both sensors.