Ground-Based Camera Network at Active Sicilian Volcanoes: Technical Improvements and Real-Time Extraction of Eruptive Parameters

Video surveillance systems are well-established tools for monitoring eruptive phenomena at active volcanoes. Consequently, video records have become a primary source of data for describing and quantifying volcanic activity worldwide. Prominent examples include the Sicilian volcanoes (Etna, Stromboli, and Vulcano), which are among the most active and closely monitored globally. The increasingly widespread use of thermal and high-definition visible cameras provides insights into eruptive processes and their evolution. In this study, we detail 32 years of technological evolution of the camera surveillance network installed on Sicilian volcanoes. We demonstrate how dedicated, in-house software tools for real-time image analysis enable the detection and identification of eruptive scenarios. Furthermore, these systems allow for the quantification of key physical parameters, including explosion intensity at Stromboli, mass eruption rate and column height during lava fountains at Etna, and variations in fumarolic activity at Vulcano. Additionally, visual and thermal imagery allows volcanologists to issue timely and effective warnings to the Italian Department of Civil Protection, as well as regional and international authorities. Overall, these results highlight the substantial advantages of continuous video monitoring infrastructure for real-time volcanic hazard assessment and risk mitigation.