FlankEd aims to investigate the physical mechanisms and triggers of volcano flank sliding, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary monitoring to capture related signals. This focus is crucial for advancing multi-risk mitigation strategies to protect populations and infrastructure near active volcanoes. Mount Etna's eastern flank is one of the most studied examples of volcano flank instability. However, despite extensive research and a dense monitoring system, several critical aspects remain unresolved. These include its relationships with eruptive processes, the depth and frictional behavior of sliding surfaces, the stress field, connections with regional structures and earthquakes, rock rheology, hydrothermal circulation, and the mechanical behavior of deep and surface structures.

Drilling into the eastern flank will provide new constraints and insights into these questions, significantly advancing our understanding of large volcano mechanics. This initiative is expected to drive technological innovation while contributing substantially to scientific knowledge. Core sample analysis and in-situ measurements during drilling will validate mechanical and hydrogeological models, deepening our understanding of the mechanisms driving Etna’s flank sliding.

A key legacy of the project will be the installation of cutting-edge instrumentation to establish the first deep research infrastructure in southern Italy. By combining advanced drilling techniques, comprehensive rock data analysis, state-of-the-art borehole instrumentation, numerical modeling, and machine learning applications, this project positions itself at the forefront of volcano flank instability research. This integrated approach also lays the groundwork for more effective monitoring and mitigation strategies.

The project holds significant societal relevance due to Mount Etna’s location in a densely populated and historically significant area. Scientific advancements and monitoring will support collaborative social science research with local communities, emergency services, and government bodies. This effort will address holistic multi-risk scenarios, including earthquakes, collapses, eruptions, and tsunamis.