Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-6540
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-6540
12 Jan 2026
 | 12 Jan 2026
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences (NHESS).

Ballistic projectile hazard of major explosions and paroxysms at Stromboli (Italy) with uncertainty quantification: 2. Conditional and temporal probability maps

Andrea Bevilacqua, Augusto Neri, Patrizia Landi, Paola Del Carlo, Massimo Pompilio, and Peter Baxter

Abstract. This study presents the first probability hazard maps of the areas potentially affected by ballistic fallout from major explosions and paroxysms at Stromboli, based on mathematical analyses of the extensive historical and recent records of its explosive activity. This novel approach develops and integrates three statistical models that describe ballistic fallout patterns under different assumptions and considering the associated uncertainty. Model 1 mirrors the areas observed to be affected in the past, whereas Models 2 and 3 address data under-sampling and morphological/dynamics changes assuming independency between ballistic distance and dispersal direction. By combining these models, robust and conservative ballistic fallout hazard maps are produced for major explosions and paroxysms, and for the two categories combined together by assuming a relative proportion. The new combined maps highlight the most exposed areas of the island and quantify the probability of being affected in the case of a major explosion or paroxysm. For instance, the NE trails at 600 m would have ≈ 25 % probability of ballistic fallout, while the Labronzo trail ≈ 8 % and 5 % probability at 400 and 290 m, respectively; the entire village of Ginostra would be affected with ≈ 3 % probability. Combining such maps with a temporal model of occurrence of the events, first probability maps of ballistic fallout in the next 10 and 50 years are presented. Results are moderately influenced by mapping uncertainties and by the assumed proportion between major explosions and paroxysms. These findings open the way to individual and societal risk assessments for this phenomenon at Stromboli.

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Andrea Bevilacqua, Augusto Neri, Patrizia Landi, Paola Del Carlo, Massimo Pompilio, and Peter Baxter

Status: open (until 23 Feb 2026)

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Andrea Bevilacqua, Augusto Neri, Patrizia Landi, Paola Del Carlo, Massimo Pompilio, and Peter Baxter
Andrea Bevilacqua, Augusto Neri, Patrizia Landi, Paola Del Carlo, Massimo Pompilio, and Peter Baxter
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Latest update: 12 Jan 2026
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Short summary
Using historical records and mathematical models, researchers created maps that show the probability of different areas being affected by ballistic fallout from volcanic eruptions in Stromboli, Italy. Hazard maps were developed for both major explosions and paroxysms as well as for the two categories combined together by assuming a relative proportion. By using a temporal model of the explosive events, first probability maps of ballistic fallout in the next 10 and 50 years are finally presented.
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