The Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV) reported continuing activity at Etna during 14-20 April with two episodes of Strombolian activity at SE Crater. The first episode began at 0900 on 15 April and progressively intensified until about 1130, when lava overflowed the crater and descended the SE flank; activity ceased at 1150. The lava flow was about 1.2 km long and reached 2,620 m elevation based on 17 and 18 April satellite images. The second episode began at 1905 on 18 April and progressively intensified until about 2330, with two lava flows overflowing the crater; one descended the SE flank along the same path as the 15 April flow, and the other descended the SW flank. Activity ceased at 0055 on 19 April.

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)