Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, recently experienced a powerful eruption, ejecting a massive plume of ash, smoke, and volcanic debris several kilometers into the atmosphere.
Key Facts about Mount Etna
- Geographical Location: Situated on the eastern coastline of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, Mount Etna is a prominent active volcano in southern Italy.
- Elevation and Status: It holds the distinction of being the tallest volcano in Italy south of the Alps and is the most extensive active volcano in Europe.
- Crater and Eruption Details: The summit of Etna features five primary craters responsible for most of its eruptions. Additionally, there are around 300 vents along its slopes that can trigger “flank” eruptions.
- Type of Eruption: The volcano is currently undergoing a “Strombolian” eruption, characterized by intermittent, moderately explosive bursts that hurl volcanic rocks and cinders into the air—sometimes reaching heights of several hundred meters. These eruptions are caused by gas bubbles within the magma chamber.
- Origin of the Term: This eruption type is named after Mount Stromboli, another volcano in Italy, known for its frequent, small-scale eruptions occurring every 10 to 20 minutes.
- World Heritage Status: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, Mount Etna has a well-documented history of volcanic activity dating back at least 2,700 years, with its geological origins estimated to be around 500,000 years old.