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Report on Etna (Italy) — 16 October-22 October 2024


Etna

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 16 October-22 October 2024
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert. Written by Kadie L. Bennis.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2024. Report on Etna (Italy) (Bennis, K L, and Sennert, S, eds.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 16 October-22 October 2024. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (16 October-22 October 2024)

Etna

Italy

37.748°N, 14.999°E; summit elev. 3357 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV) reported that during 14-20 October activity at Etna was characterized by continuous intra-crater explosive activity at NE Crater, mild and sporadic ash emissions from SE Crater, and degassing activity from the summit craters, based on webcam images. During 17-20 October weather conditions prevented clear observations. The Aviation Color Code was raised from Yellow to Orange at 1538 on 21 October.

Geological Summary. Mount Etna, towering above Catania on the island of Sicily, has one of the world's longest documented records of volcanism, dating back to 1500 BCE. Historical lava flows of basaltic composition cover much of the surface of this massive volcano, whose edifice is the highest and most voluminous in Italy. The Mongibello stratovolcano, truncated by several small calderas, was constructed during the late Pleistocene and Holocene over an older shield volcano. The most prominent morphological feature of Etna is the Valle del Bove, a 5 x 10 km caldera open to the east. Two styles of eruptive activity typically occur, sometimes simultaneously. Persistent explosive eruptions, sometimes with minor lava emissions, take place from one or more summit craters. Flank vents, typically with higher effusion rates, are less frequently active and originate from fissures that open progressively downward from near the summit (usually accompanied by Strombolian eruptions at the upper end). Cinder cones are commonly constructed over the vents of lower-flank lava flows. Lava flows extend to the foot of the volcano on all sides and have reached the sea over a broad area on the SE flank.

Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)