The Sicilian volcano put on a show with the eruption of the Bocca Nuova crater, creating a suggestive contrast between the incandescent lava and the snow. The emission was located at about 3.000 meters above sea level by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology of Catania.
Experts from the INGV in Catania explain that the current eruption is of the sub-terminal type, meaning that it comes from a fracture of the volcano and not from one of the main craters.
Volcanologist Boris Behncke reported that effusive activity continues to feed a lava flow of about 3 km. The front of the flow is advancing into the valley between the main cone of 1610 and the ancient crater Monte Pecoraro.
In addition to this lava emission from a fissure at the southern base of the Bocca Nuova crater, Strombolian explosions and ash emissions have been occurring since February 10 from at least two vents on the western flank of the Southeast Crater.
Researcher Giuseppe Tonzuso carried out an inspection to verify the situation and explained that, following the opening of a fracture at the base of the Bocca Nuova crater, several lava branches formed that converge in a single channel. The flow is well fed and seems to have reached an altitude of 1.900 meters.
Meanwhile, the Southeast crater has increased its explosive activity, 'dirtying' the entire snowpack.
The INGV has reported that frequent Strombolian activity from the summit craters, accompanied by lava emissions, is one of the "expected scenarios".
“It is not possible to exclude – the bulletin states – an evolution of the phenomena towards a more energetic activity with the formation of eruptive columns, ash clouds and pyroclastic flows”.
The eruption of Etna continues to be monitored by the INGV, which provides constant updates on the evolution of volcanic activity.
Article published on 12 February 2025 - 21:01
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The eruption of the volcano is very interesting and raises many questions. It is curious how lava and snow can coexist. I hope that experts can continue to monitor the situation to avoid problems.