Abstract The NE Sicilian continental margin is largely affected by canyons and related landslide scars. Two main types of submarine canyons are recognizable: the first type carves the shelf up to depths <20 m, a few hundred metres from the coast, acting as a main collector for sediments transported by hyperpycnal flows and/or littoral drift. These canyons mostly have a V-shaped cross-section and are characterized by a strong axial incision, where a network of dendritic gullies carving the canyon flanks converges. The second type of canyon occurs where the shelf is wider, hindering the direct connection between the subaerial and submarine drainage system. This setting exhibits canyon heads mostly confined to the shelf break, characterized by a weaker axial incision of the canyon and U-shaped cross-section. A total of 280 landslide scars are recognized in the study area and these are divided into three groups according to their morphology and location. A morphometric analysis of these scars is performed to investigate which parameters might be key factors in controlling instability processes and how they correlate with each other. We also try to assess the possible tsunamigenic potential associated with these landslide events by coupling the morphometric analysis with semi-empirical relationships available in the literature.

Abstract The observation of volcanic thermal activity from space dates back to the late 1960s. Several methods have been proposed to improve detection and monitoring capabilities of thermal volcanic features, and to characterize them to improve our understanding of volcanic processes, as well as to inform operational decisions. In this paper we review the RST VOLC algorithm, which has been designed and implemented for automated detection and near-real-time monitoring of volcanic hotspots. The algorithm is based on the general Robust Satellite Techniques (RST) approach, representing an original strategy for satellite data analysis in the space–time domain. It has proven to be a useful tool for investigating volcanoes worldwide, by means of different satellite sensors, onboard polar orbiting and geostationary platforms. The RST VOLC rationale, its requirements and main operational capabilities are described here, together with the advantages of the tool and the known limitations. Results achieved through the study of two past eruptive events are shown, together with some recent examples demonstrating the near-continuous monitoring capability offered by RST VOLC . A summary is also made of the type products that the method is able to generate and provide. Lastly, the future perspectives, in terms of its possible implementation on the new generation of satellite systems, are briefly discussed.