Event Monitoring

Volcanic eruptions, such as those frequently observed at Mt. Etna, pose significant threats to nearby populations, critical infrastructure, and the surrounding environment. Timely and accurate monitoring of such events is essential for risk mitigation and disaster response. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology provides a powerful tool for real-time surface observation. Unlike optical sensors, SAR can penetrate cloud cover, ash, and smoke, making it highly effective during and after eruptive events when visibility is compromised.

This situational update focuses on a change detection analysis of Mt. Etna’s April 2025 eruption. By comparing pre- and post-event SAR imagery, analysts identified key areas of surface deformation, lava flow progression, and structural changes across the volcanic landscape. These insights are critical for assessing the impact of the eruption, guiding emergency response, and informing long-term hazard monitoring and resilience planning. Sentinel-1’s consistent revisit schedule and interferometric capabilities make it an indispensable asset in volcanic surveillance and geohazard management.