Summit of Mt. Etna, 1971. Photograph copyrighted by Robert Decker. Etna has the longest record of historic eruptions. Since then Etna has erupted at least 190 times. Most of these eruptions have a volcanic explosivity index of 1 or 2 and activity consists of gently effusion of lava or Strombolian explosions.
Large eruptions are rare.
Photograph of 'a'a during the 1984 eruption by Chuck Wood. One of the most dramatic eruptions of Etna was in 1669. South and East of Catania. Several more vents formed. On April 12 flows arrived at the walls of Catania.