Etna, Sicily, Italy

Location: 37.7N, 15.0E
Elevation: 10,990 feet (3,350 m)
Last updated: March 29, 2004

Space Shuttle photograph of Mt. Etna.

Explosive column from the november eruptive phase. Copyright 2002, by Ben Kennedy.

Since January 28 2003, no eruptive activity had been observed except for sporadic gas emissions from Northeast Crater and from a vent within Bocca Nuova crater. On February 12 and 14, however, a minor emission of ash was observed from the summit crater, suggesting the renewal of magma within the upper conduit; the first to occur since the end of the 2002-2003 flank eruption. Since January, several shallow earthquakes have been recorded at Pernicana fault on the volcano's NE flank.

On Nov. 9, a small ash and steam plume rose ~4 km a.s.l.

Volcanic activity remained at low levels, but steam and SO2 emissions were abundant. An M 3.3 earthquake was recorded nearby in the Ionian Sea.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

August 26, 2003

Following an increase in volcanic tremor in the afternoon of 11 August, about 30 minutes of strong explosion earthquakes were recorded. This was the first such event recorded since the end of the flank eruption on 28 January 2003. A red puff of ash from
Northeast Crater was visible from about 11 km from the summit and incandescence was seen at night from the crater. Periodic measurements showed a decrease in gas emissions in the plume.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

August 19, 2003

As of 16 August, the mild volcanic activity at Etna's Northeast Crater was no longer observed; no incandescence was visible during the evening, but gas emission continued from the summit craters.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

August 12, 2003

Loud noises were heard from Etna's Northeast Crater on 5 and 6 August, but only strong degassing was seen.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

An ash plume below ~4 km above sea level drifted SE on June 7. At Bocca Nuova crater strong gas emissions and occasional strong explosions occurred. Gas was also emitted from two pits in Voragine crater.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

On Feb. 12, a series of 10 earthquakes were recorded on Etna's NE flank in the same area that was affected by the eruption that ended on Jan. 28. The largest, one with a magnitude of 3.8, occurred on the 13th (0632).
This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

After last week's decrease in volcanic activity. Seismic and volcanic activity ceased on the 28th.

January 28, 2003

Low to moderate activity continued with occasional strong explosions, gas-and-ash emissions and lava flows being observed.

January 21, 2003
On Jan. 15, ash and lava emission increased at Etna. Explosive activity continued through the 16th, but on the 20th, the activity waned. afterward, occasional low-level steam and ash clouds were visible.

January 14, 2003
Up until the 10th, explosive activity at Etna decreased. However on Jan. 10, frequent explosions occurred that sent material several meters high and produced lava flows.

January 7, 2003
Strombolian activity continued this week; weak, sporadic ash emissions were recorded and lava was emitted at the base of the crater. The overall activity level, though, seemed to be generally lower.

December 30, 2002

By Dec. 22, a cooling crust formed over the recent lava flows and a new vent opened at the cinder cone's SW base. SO2 emission rates stayed fairly low.
December 23, 2002

December 23, 2003

Eruptive activity continued at Etna, with alternating periods of lava-and-ash fountaining and Strombolian explosions. Lava flow continued, but the Rifugio Sapienza area was no longer in danger of the lava's advancement.

December 17, 2002
Etna's SO2 emission rates dropped significantly on Dec. 1. Then, from Dec. 8-10, activity alternated between strong Strombolian explosions and fire fountaining. On the 10th, two vents opened and emitted lava flows that reached the Rifugio Sapienza tourist area the following day.

Episodic eruptions at two of the vents continued through Dec. 2nd and large amounts of ash fell in surrounding areas. Lava also was emitted from a third. The advancement of the most recently active lava flow appears to have stopped completely.

November 26, 2002

The lengths of lava flows decreased at Etna and, from Nov. 20-21, a new vent opened. A lava flow was produced from this vent and by the 24th, the efforts made to stop its advancement succeeded. Two new vents opened on the 25th producing fire fountains and a 4.7 km-high ash plume. During the period, SO2 emissions fluctuated, but remained high.

November 19, 2002

The eruption from Oct. 17 continued through Nov. 12 and volcanic tremor was reported to increase to amplitudes twice as high as previously observed. This seismicity increased as a result of Strombolian activity and, on the 13th, a lava flow was emitted. By the 14th, fire fountaining and ash emissions substituted the Strombolian activity, but SO2 emissions remained extremely high. All throughout the eruption, moderate to severe ash emissions were observed.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

November 7, 2002

The large eruption beginning on the 27th followed a series of ~200 small earthquakes. Fissures opened on the S and NE slopes and lava fountains rose 100-200 m. Significant ash plumes were produced and, on the 28th, a M 3.8 earthquake occurred beneath the volcano. Lava flows flowed dangerously close to the towns of Linguaglossa and Piano Provenzana and some people were evacuated on precautionary measures. From Oct. 27-29, ash plumes reaching maximum heights of ~6.4 km were seen on satellite imagery and, on the 29th, a M 4.4 earthquake occurred at 11:00.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

October 30, 2002

The SO2 recorded during the current eruption is much stronger than during the last period of eruption in July and August. The cloud of SO2 extend as far as the borders of Algeria and Libya in North Africa

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

October 28, 2002

Yesterday, after a 4.4-magnitude earthquake, an eruption began along a fissure on the northern flank of the volcano. The plume was visible on satellite imagery.

This information was summarized from the La sicilia

In the last week, visibility was restrained due to poor weather conditions. However, on September 22nd and 27th, black ash was observed over Northeast Crater. The second eruption was accompanied by ash emission at Bocca Nuova Crater as well. On October 1st, frequent episodes of degassing were observed from Bocca Nuova Crater.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

The strombolian activity is still continuing at the northeast crater. The ejecta reaches heights of 100 to 150 m. Small ash clouds were also observed on satellite images.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

This week, there was a reduction of ash emission at Etna; in average, emissions occurred every 5 to 10 minutes. Two days after the M 5.6 earthquakes of September 6, intense and regular strombolian activity was observed every 1 to 3 minutes

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

This week, ash was emitted from the Northeast Crater, while gas, ash, and blocks were emitted from Bocca Nuova crater. At Voragine and Southeast craters, only gas was emitted.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

During the week, brown ash explosions were occurring from the Bocca Nuova crater. During the afternoon of August 6th, strong exposions originating in the Northeast Crater were felt. The area near the Northeast Crater contained numerous bombs, some more than 70 centimeters in size and weighing more than 30 kilograms.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

Strombolian activity, which consisited of volcanic bombs being thrown beyond the rim of the crater, continued at Northeast Crater as of July 26th.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

Explosions, which occurred during July 19-21, emitted gas and ash as well as ejected volcano bombs and fresh lava that landed within the crater.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

June 25, 2002

During the period June 17-23, ash continued to be emitted from Etna's Northeast Crater, and to a smaller extent from Bocca Nuova crater.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

June 17, 2002

After a short period of ash emission in april and may, seismic activity and gas emission resumed at Etna. On June 16th, ash was emitted from Bocca Nuova crater as well as from Northeast crater (two of the four summit craters). These eruption of ash appears to contain disrupted magma.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

April 30, 2002

After several weeks of nearly continuous activity, the emission of ash from Bocca Nuova decreased. However on the 28th, a brown ash cloud was observed.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

April 16, 2002

Emission of ash was nearly continuous this week at Etna. On April 13th, two Magnitude-2.7-3 earthquakes were felt by the surrounding population.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

April 2, 2002

On March 27 and 28, small ash clouds rose above Bocca Nuova and Northeast craters.

This information was summarized from the Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

Since march 9, nearly constant eruption of lithic ash were seen from a NW vent of Bocca Nuova crater. The lithic may result form the collapse of wallrock within the conduit.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

January 8, 2002

From the Southeast Crater on January 6th there was low-level fumarolic activity occurring at intervals of a few minutes. There was also a dense gas plume emitted from Bocca Nuova crater. The activity at both the craters continued at least through January 7th.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

July 31, 2001

Since 13 July, there has been strong seismicity at Etna. A large flank eruption started on 17 July and created several lava flows that were emitted from four new fisures. That same day, a new eruptive fissure opened on the South base of the Southeast Crater. On the evening of 18 July, a fourth eruptive vent opened at an elevation of ~2,700 m on the SE flank. Powerful Strombolian blasts occurred at this vent and sent incandescent volcanic bombs as high as 200 m and produced ash columns that rose several kilometers. Lava from this vent edged towards the tourist complex near the Rifugio Sapienza. On 20 July, a fifth eruptive fissure became active. On 22 July, earth barriers were constructed in an attempt to divert lava from the tourist complex. The towns of Giarre and Catania were covered by a thin layer of ash. The airport of Catania was also closed due to the ashfall.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

On 22 June, Etna erupted with lava flowing down the flanks prior to Strombolian activity. Volcanic bombs were thrown ~400 m above the crater and lava fountains reached a height of 150 m. An ash plume rose to ~3 km and very strong degassing was observed at the Bocca Nuova crater. On 24 June, another eruption lasted more than 2 hours. On 27 June, an eruption occurred at the NNE vent on the Southeast Crater. On 28 June and 30, eruptive episodes were also recorded. Increased degassing was observed at the Northeast Crater on 3 July.

This information was summarized from the GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

On 13 June, Etna produced its fourth eruptive episode within a week. Lava flowed from a vent on the NNE flank of the Southeast Crater cone. Lava fountains rose 150-200 m above the vent. Strombolian bursts sent bombs up to 500 m above the crater rim. On 15 June, another eruption event occurred that was similar to the eruptions on 13 June.

This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

Lava continued to flow from a small cone located in the SE crater until 25 May. Mild Strombolian activity continued at the summit vent. Etna's volcanic activity had been regular since a strong eruptive episode started on 9 May.

This information was summarized from Smithsonian Institution's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

On 28 August, the Mt. Etna Volcano erupted, and ash fell on the city of Catania. Mt. Etna's newest crater, located on the southeastern flank, was producing lava flows. Officials reported that no inhabited areas were in any danger.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

On 15 June, the Mount Etna Volcano exploded for approximately 45 minutes. The eruption originated from a crater located on the volcano's southeastern slopes. Lava flowed in the direction of the Bove Valley. The ash from the explosion covered the eastern slope. Volcanologists said the eruptive crater was Mount Etna's youngest and posed no danger at this time.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

On 5 June, the Mount Etna Volcano sent a plume of ash two miles high into the sky. The ash darkened the sky to a degree that it resembled a solar eclipse. The city of Catania was showered with black volcanic dust. Prior to the eruption on Monday, tremors created new crevices on Mount Etna's flanks. Monday's eruption was the 61st to occur in 2000.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

On 1 June, the Mount Etna Volcano erupted sending lava and a column of ash into the sky. Lava flowed 1,800 feet down the slopes of the volcano. It was the most violent eruption this year. Villages lying southeast of Mount Etna received some ash fallout. Officials from Sistema Poseidon (a volcano monitoring organization in Sicily) said there was no danger.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

On 18 May, Mount Etna erupted once again from a northeastern crater. Lava flowed down the northern flanks of the volcano and did not threaten any communities located at Mount Etna's base.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

On 27 April, the Mount Etna Volcano erupted and released a fountain of incandescent lava and a plume of ash. The ash drifted into a plane's flight path and forced the cancellation of the flight. The plane landed safely, and no injuries were reported.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

On 16 April, the Mount Etna Volcano erupted and shot ash and lava into the sky. The urban areas near the volcano were not threatened as the lava flowed into an uninhabited valley.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

On 14 February, the Mount Etna Volcano erupted and shot ash and volcanic rock from its southeast crater. Lava has been flowing down the uninhabited flank of the volcano.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

To view a series of video clips of the eruptive episode at the Southeast Crater on Etna click on Stromboli On-line and Italy's Volcanoes

On 1 February, the Mount Etna Volcano erupted and sent ash skyward. Ash was found 15 miles away from the volcano. Two coastal communities located on Mount Etna's eastern slopes were covered with ash.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

On 25 October, the Mount Etna Volcano sent glowing rocks into the air. Volcanologists expect a lava flow to eventually work its way through a fissure in the central crater and move down the western uninhabited side of the volcano.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

Click here to view NOAA satellite pictures of Mount Etna.

On 17 October, a portion of the western crater rim of the Mount Etna Volcano collapsed, and lava poured onto the western flank. Lava was reported to be still flowing on 18 October. Towns in the area are on alert for a possible evacuation. Experts are monitoring the volcano for a possible earthquake.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online and Global Volcanism Program.

Mt. Etna erupted over the weekend. Lava and smoke were thrown about 330 feet high. Slow moving lava flowed into the Valle del Bove. Cities on the slope of the volcano were sprinkled with ash. Visits to the peak has been suspended.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

An explosive eruptive episode began at Etna on February 4. About half an hour after the activity began, a new vent burst open on the southeastern side of the SE Cone. The cone fractured from the summit down to the base, releasing a huge jet of lava. The main vent over that fracture formed about half way down. This vent erupted lava down the southeastern side of the volcano. Three main flows occurred from the main area of active vents. Lava flowed through one channel at speeds of 1-2 m per second. The new lava flow-field extended southeastward over the rim of Valle del Bove, with two branches extending a few hundred meters downslope. Gas plumes from the eruption were also driven to the south and southeast. The main focus of the eruption seems to have shifted from the southeast cone to this new fissure. This is the first time since 1993 that new vents on Etna have erupted.

This information was summarized from a report on Boris Behncke's Italy's Volcanoes site.

January 23, 1999

Another eruption occurred at the SE Crater Cone. An eruption column was generated and rose several km above the summit due to a lack of wind. This column drifted slowly to the southeast, dropping ash on Catania and surrounding towns. People on the streets of Catania felt particles entering their eyes, and a thin film of ash coated the ground. Skiing is currently impossible on the southern part of the volcano due to scoria covering the snow.

Note: The cone in SE Crater has now grown to 1000 ft (300 m) and fills the entire crater. Therefore, SE Crater is no longer present, and further updates will refer to activity from this location as coming from SE Cone.

This information was summarized from Boris Behncke's Italy's Volcanoes page.

January 18, 1999

Strong lava fountaining occurred from SE Crater on January 18. A dense eruption column formed from this activity and rose about 2 miles (3 km) above the summit. Heavy fallout and accumulation of pyroclastic material caused frequent avalanches on the eastern side of the SE Crater cone. Dull explosions could be heard as far away as Catania.

This information was summarized from Boris Behncke's Italy's Volcanoes page.

January 5, 1999

Etna erupted on January 5, showering local villages with scoriae and ash. This very intense eruptive event occurred from the SE crater. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

This information was summarized from Discovery Online.

October 11, 1998

Spectacular Strombolian activity resumed at SE Crater on October 11. Glowing pyroclastic material was thrown over 700 ft (200 m) into the air, and a lava flow stretched 2300 ft (700 m) down the eastern flank of the new SE Crater cone. This activity was easily viewed from towns on the eastern coast of Sicily.

This information was summarized from the Smithsonian Institutions's Preliminary Notices of Volcanic Activity.

September 15, 1998

An explosive eruption occurred at SE Crater after about six weeks of inactivity. Several powerful explosions occurred on the morning of September 15. At one point, bombs were ejected 1000-1300 ft (300-400 m) above the crater rim. Pyroclastic jets occurred every 2-5 seconds and rose several hundred meters above the summit of the volcano. Some sources reported a fracturing of the crater, causing volcanic emissions down the slope. The large intracrater cone that had been growing since 1996 was virtually destroyed by this event. This explosive event caused ash falls in inhabited areas on the eastern side of the volcano. No damage has been reported.

This information was summarized from Boris Behncke's Italy's Volcanoes page.

August 24, 1998

Vigorous activity is continuing at Etna following the paroxysmal eruption of July 22. Powerful Strombolian activity caused light ash falls on the southeastern side of Etna on August 18. Some of this ash fell as far away as the outskirts of Catania. Bomb ejections accompanied these ash emissions. Spectacular pyroclastic activity was seen from the east flank of the volcano on the night of the 18th. Bombs were ejected up to 1300 ft (400 m) into the air during this activity and fell down to the eastern base of the main summit cone. Loud explosions were heard from as far away as Catania.

This information was summarized from Boris Behncke's Italy's Volcanoes page.

July 22, 1998

Two earthquakes shook Mt. Etna on July 22, causing increased activity at the volcano. Following these quakes, lava began to flow down Etna's slopes, and steam and ash rose six miles (~9.5 km) into the air. About a quarter of an inch of ash from this event fell on Catania's airport, forcing its closure late Wednesday. Some scientists believe this activity is a precursor to a larger future eruption of Etna.

This information was summarized from a Washington Post/AP article.

July 1, 1998

Vigorous lava fountaining occurred at Voragine on the morning of July 1. This activity lasted between 30 minutes and one hour. Many bombs up to 5 ft (1.5 m) in diameter fell on the eastern side of Etna's main summit cone. The activity could be seen for several miles. Lava fountaining and ash emissions have alternated frequently between the vents of Voragine within the last week.

Currently, ash-rich explosions are occurring from the northern vent in Bocca Nuova, and lava is slowly flowing from SE Crater. Some explosions from this crater produce small ash plumes. Lava effusion from the intracrater cone in SE Crater is continuous. Explosions from the northern vents of Bocca Nuova are infrequent but very powerful. Large quantities of ash were ejected during at least one of these explosions.

This information was summarized from a report by Boris Behncke on his Etna News Page.

June 11, 1998

Extremely intense explosive activity is currently occurring at Bocca Nuova and Voragine craters. This morning, strong explosive activity from Voragine could be heard over 6 miles (10 km) from the summit. Lava fountains were seen jetting hundreds of meters above the erupting vent in the SW part of the crater. Bombs up to ~3 ft (1 m) in diameter were thrown into the air with these jets. Powerful explosions caused ground shaking at the summit cone of Etna and ejected bombs across a wide area far beyond the southern rim of Voragine. Explosions were occurring 1-2 times per second, with large explosions every 1-2 minutes.

At the NW eruptive area of Bocca Nuova, three vents are very active. Explosive activity is far more vigorous at these vents than it was a week ago. When observed this morning, the western vent would occassionally produce a plume of dense ash with huge bombs showering down in the area of the vent. The eastern vent would then produce low fountains with many large bombs directed to the south. The eastern vent later exploded violently, showering many bombs far beyond the western crater rim. At 10:58 AM (local time at Etna), a powerful explosion from the eastern vent ejected huge bombs in all directions. Many bombs up to 5 ft (1.5 m) long were thrown over half way down the summit cone.

It is currently not safe to approach either Voragine or Bocca Nuova. Bombs are being ejected frequently with little or no warning at low angles. This puts anyone who nears the main summit cone in great danger.

This information was summarized from a report by Boris Behncke on his Etna News Page.

June 5, 1998

Spectacular activity was viewed at three of the four summit craters on Etna on June 4-5. While NE Crater was quiet, Bocca Nuova, SE Crater and Voragine were more active than they had been in several months. Explosive activity was varying between three vents on the central intracrater cone of SE crater, which has grown significantly during the past two weeks. Bombs were ejected from the northernmost of these vents, but did not leave the crater. Lava flowed from a vent on the eastern intracrater cone and flowed over the northeastern flank down to the base of the cone.

Close up view of the effusive vent taken on June 4, 1998. Copyrighted photo by Boris Behncke.

Eruptive activity continues at the northwest and southeast areas of the Bocca Nuova crater floor. Bombs were occasionally ejected above the southern rim of Bocca Nuova from a collapsed pit in the southeastern area of the floor. At least five vents produced spectacular explosions and lava fountains at the northwestern eruptive area. Several flows from this area moved west and southwest over the crater floor.

June 4 eruption of the southwestern vent of Voragine. Copyrighted photo by Boris Behncke.

The most impressive activity took place in the southwestern part of the Voragine crater floor. The vent in this area has enlarged significantly since April 6, and a low pyroclastic cone grew around the vent. On June 3, extremely loud explosions were heard many kilometers away. Huge magma bubbles were seen bursting within the vent leading up to intense periods of fire-fountaining. Many of the lava jets reached heights of 500 ft (150 m) above the summit of the 1964 cone. The southwestern and western rims of the Voragine crater were heavily showered with bombs, making approach from those directions extremely dangerous.

The current activity has lasted about a week thus far. The activity at the Voragine crater is the strongest there since it became active in July 1997. It is also some of the most vigorous eruptive activity at Etna's summit since activity started there nearly three years ago. The lava flows on the Bocca Nuova crater floor indicate that the top of the magma column is rising again. The current eruption rate of all three craters combined is about 3-5 cubic meters per second. This is significantly higher than the average output of Etna during the periods of "persistent summit activity".

This information was summarized from a great report by Boris Behncke on his Etna News page.

June 1, 1998

Activity at Etna's summit craters has increased over the weekend. Eruptions have once again started at Bocca Nuova after a several month period of little activity there. There was also a series of ash emissions from NE Crater on June 1. This is the first time NE Crater has been active since March 27. Activity continues at several other craters in the form of lava flows and explosions. These explosions are currently occurring every 1-2 seconds. This type of activity on Etna's summit has remained almost constant. It is known as Etna's "persistent summit activity." It occurs at the rate that magma is supplied into the volcano, which is estimated to be about one cubic meter per second.

This information was summarized from Boris Behnke's Etna News page.

March 31, 1998

NE Crater of Etna produced a spectacular lava fountain during the night of March 27-28. This event lasted about two hours. The fountain reached heights of ~1000-1200 ft (~300-350 m) above the rim of the vent. Pyrocalstic material fell in and around the crater during the event. Volcanic bombs were thrown hundreds of meters above the crater prior to and during the fountaining. Some of these bombs were thrown as far as 1 km to the south of the vent. SE crater was also extremely active at this time, with Strombolian activity and a lava flow down the southwestern flank of the SE Crater cone.

This information was summarized from an update on the Italy's Volcanoes page.

January 16, 1998

Explosive activity continues at SE Crater of Etna. Lava is flowing down the southwestern side of the main SE Crater cone. Strombolian activity is also occurring from the intracrater cone. Most of this activity shows no change from the past several weeks or even months. Even though this summit activity continues, reports of its magnitude and danger have been greatly exagerated.

This information was summarized from Boris Behncke's Italy's Volcanoes Page.

January 11, 1998

Continued collapse of the Bocca Nuova crater walls led to strong ash emissions from the crater. A magma column may have intruded into a fracture in the western side of the crater. This could eventually lead to a flank eruption. Although a flank eruption is possible, the volcano continues its normal pattern of summit activity. Ash emissions from Bocca Nuova remain fairly constant. Strong ash emissions are also coming from NE Crater. SE Crater continues activity with Strombolian bursts and lava flows on the southern flanks of the cone.

This information was summarized from Boris Behncke's Italy's Volcanoes Page.

Eruptive activity at the intracrater cone on August 5, 1997. Lights of the urban center on the Eastern flank of Etna can be seen to the right. Copyrighted photo by Boris Behncke.

July 19-20, 1997

A small amount of lava overflowed from SE Crater at Etna on the night of July 19-20. This is the first time lava has flowed from that crater since 1990.

This information was summarized from the Italy's Volcanoes page.

July 11, 1997

Intense Strombolian activity at SE Crater on July 11, 1997. Copyrighted photo by Boris Behncke.

Strombolian activity continues from three vents on Etna. Lava is also being emitted from Bocca Nuova and a small cone in Southeast Crater. Explosions at this cone happen about every 30 minutes and last for about 15 minutes. There is a lava flow about 650 ft (200 m) long within Southeast Crater. At the current rate, it could take several weeks for the crater to overflow.

This information was summarized from a report sent to us by Boris Behncke at the University of Catania, Italy.

July 8, 1997

Activity at Etna is increasing rapidly. Strombolian explosions can be seen at night from 20 miles (30 km) away. Southeast Crater of Etna is rapidly filling with lava from a new cone and could overflow in the coming days. Strombolian activity and lava flows are also occurring in Bocca Nuova, the farthest west crater on Etna's summit.

This information was summarized from a report by Boris Behncke to the Volcano Listserve.

Volcanologists at the Istituto Internazionale di Vulcanologia-Catania reported another episode (the 4th) of fire fountaining at North-East Crater of Mt. Etna in the early morning of November 23, 1995.

The C.N.R Istituto Internazionale di Vulcanologia in Catania reported a 7th episode of fire fountains at North-East Crater of Mt. Etna. The activity began early on the morning January 25, 1996. The fire fountains lasted about 6 hours and pulsating jets of lava reached 1,000-1,300 feet (300-400 m) of above the crater rim. A blanket of scoria fallout extended from the vent to about 7 miles (12 k on the northeast flank of the volcano.

The start of the 8th episode of fire fountains at Mt. Etna began late on February 9, 1996. This episode ended early on February 10, 1996. Pulses of lava shot 650 feet (200 m) above the crater rim. Lapilli fallout covered a narrow band from the vent to the shoreline, a distance of 15 miles (25 km away). A light ash fell on the town of Catania. Minor eruptive activity continued up to early morning of February 12, 1996.

Mt. Etna, April 29, 1993. Photograph copyrighted by Steve O'Meara.

Etna has the longest history of documented eruptions of any volcano. The first reported eruption was in 1,500 BC.

Mt. Etna, May 31, 1983. Photograph by Jack Lockwood, U.S. Geological Survey.

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