Mount Etna’s recent eruption is a spectacular volcanic eruption

Mount Etna, the volcano that stretches across eastern Sicily, evokes superlatives. It is Europe’s most active volcano and also the largest continent.

And the fiery, noisy display of power it puts on for days or weeks, even every year, is always very spectacular. Fortunately, Etna’s latest eruption, which is capturing the attention of the world, has not caused any injuries or evacuation.

But every time it acts dramatically again, it arouses spectators and awesome geologists who spend their careers monitoring every quiver, rumble and bump.

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WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

On February 16, Etna erupted and sent up high fountains of lava, which rolled down the mountain’s eastern slope toward the uninhabited Bove Valley, which is five kilometers wide and eight kilometers long. The volcano spilled ash and lava rocks that flooded the south side.

The activity has continued ever since, in more or less intense bursts. The flaming lava illuminates the night sky in shocking colors of orange and red. There is nothing to tell how long this exciting activity will last, say volcanologists working at the Etna Observatory through the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology.

While public fascination began with the first dramatic images this month, the explosive activity began in September 2019 and became much stronger two months ago. The current activity mainly involves the southeast crater, which emerged in 1971 from a series of fractures.

DIFFICULT TO MISS

Etna Tower rises 3,350 meters (approximately 11,050 feet) above sea level and is 35 kilometers (22 miles) in diameter, although volcanic activity has altered the mountain’s altitude over time.

Sometimes the airport in Catania, the largest city in eastern Sicily, has to close for hours or days when ash flying in the air makes the area dangerous. Early in this recent period of eruption activities, the airport closes for a short while.

But for pilots and passengers who fly to and from Catania at night when the volcano is calmer, it provides an exciting sight through a glimpse of fiery red in the dark sky.

LIVING WITH A VOLKANO

Since Etna’s lava flows are largely confined to its uninhabited slopes, life in towns and villages elsewhere goes up the mountain. Sometimes, like in recent days, lava rocks rain down streets, bouncing cars and rattling roofs.

But many residents generally find it a little inconvenient when weighed against the benefits of the volcano. Lava flows left fertile agricultural land behind. Apple and citrus trees thrive. Red and white ethna are some of the most popular wines of Sicily, from grapes grown on the volcanic slopes.

Tourism earns income. Hikers and backpackers enjoy a view of the mountain that inflates frequently and the sparkling Ionian Sea below. For skiers who do not want slopes, Etna is a favorite.

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IT CAN BE DEADLY

As inspiring ancient Greek legends, Etna has had numerous famous eruptions throughout its history. An eruption in 396 BC is attributed to keeping the army of Carthage at a distance.

In 1669, which was considered the volcano’s worst eruption, lava buried part of Catania, about 23 kilometers away and destroyed dozens of villages. An eruption in 1928 cut off a railroad track surrounding the base of the mountain.

More recently, in 1983, dynamite was used to divert lava that threatens inhabited areas. In 1992, the army built an earth wall to contain the lava, which flowed from Mount Etna for months and hit Zafferana Etnea, a town of several thousand people. At one point, the smoking lava stopped two miles from the outskirts of the city.

Over the past century, Etna has been characterized by a hiccup in geological time, explosive eruptions with low energy and lava flows, which are fed from both the top and side openings.