Mount Etna Volcano, Italy: Map, Facts, Eruption Pictures Article by Jessica Ball Mount Etna: Introduction Mount Etna is Europe's highest and most active volcano . Towering above the city of Catania on the island of Sicily, it has been growing for about 500,000 years and is in the midst of a series of eruptions that began in 2001. It has experienced a variety of eruption styles , including violent explosions and voluminous lava flows. More than 25% of Sicily's population lives on Etna's slopes, and it is the main source of income for the island, both from agriculture (due to its rich volcanic soil) and tourism. Map: Where is Etna? Map showing the location of Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily. Map by Geology.com and MapResources.

Nearby Volcanoes: Stromboli , Vesuvius Mount Etna: Plate Tectonic Setting Mount Etna is associated with the subduction of the African plate under the Eurasian plate, which also produced Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei, but is part of a different volcanic arc (the Calabrian rather than Campanian). A number of theories have been proposed to explain Etna's location and eruptive history, including rifting processes, a hot spot, and intersection of structural breaks in the crust. Scientists are still debating which best fits their data, and are using a variety of methods to build a better image of the Earth's crust below the volcano. Simplified plate tectonics cross section (A to B) Simplified plate tectonics cross-section showing how Mount Etna is located above a subduction zone formed where the Eurasian and African plates collide. In this subduction zone a window has torn in the subducting slab.

Facts About Mount Etna Stromboli Vesuvius Mount Etna: Eruption History Etna's eruptions have been documented since 1500 BC, when phreatomagmatic eruptions drove people living in the eastern part of the island to migrate to its western end. The volcano has experienced more than 200 eruptions since then, although most are moderately small. Etna's most powerful recorded eruption was in 1669, when explosions destroyed part of the summit and lava flows from a fissure on the volcano's flank reached the sea and the town of Catania, more than ten miles away. This eruption was also notable as one of the first attempts to control the path of flowing lava. The Catanian townspeople dug a channel that drained lava away from their homes, but when the diverted lava threatened the village of Paterno, the inhabitants of that community drove away the Catanians and forced them to abandon their efforts.

An eruption in 1775 produced large lahars when hot material melted snow and ice on the summit, and an extremely violent eruption in 1852 produced more than 2 billion cubic feet of lava and covered more than three square miles of the volcano's flanks in lava flows. Etna's longest eruption began in 1979 and went on for thirteen years; its latest eruption began in March 2007, and is still ongoing. Mt. Etna Eruption (October 30, 2002) An oblique photograph of Mount Etna looking to the southeast taken by astronauts onboard the International Space Station on October 30,2002. The dark plume rising from the top of the volcano is an ash cloud. The broad white cloud streaming from areas of lower elevation is smoke produced by forest fires ignited as a hot lava flow moved through a pine forest. The ash and smoke caused air traffic to be diverted and forced the closing of roads, schools and businesses. Larger Image Mt. Etna Eruption (October 30, 2002) An oblique photograph of Mount Etna on the west coast of the island of Sicily.

This photo is looking to the southeast with the Mediterranean Sea in the background and was taken by astronauts onboard the International Space Station on October 30,2002. The scene shows the ash plume from the eruption being carried by wind across the Mediterranean Sea to Libya, over 350 miles away. Larger Image About the Author Jessica Ball is a graduate student in the Department of Geology at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Her concentration is in volcanology, and she is currently researching lava dome collapses and pyroclastic flows. Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the College of William and Mary, and worked for a year at the American Geological Institute in the Education/Outreach Program. She also writes the Magma Cum Laude blog , and in what spare time she has left, she enjoys rock climbing and playing various stringed instruments. Find it on Geology.com A view of snowcapped Mount Etna. Image © iStockphoto / Domenico Pellegriti. Google Satellite Image of Mount Etna Google Maps satellite image of Etna. You can also use the "terrain" button in the upper right corner of the image to switch to a topographic map.

View Larger Map Mount Etna Geology and Hazards Mount Etna consists of two edifices: an ancient shield volcano at its base, and the younger Mongibello stratovolcano , which was built on top of the shield. The basaltic shield volcano eruptions began about 500,000 years ago, while the stratovolcano began forming about 35,000 years ago from more trachytic lavas. The volcano's slopes currently host several large calderas which formed when the roofs of magma chambers collapsed inward, including the east-facing, horseshoe-shaped Valle de Bove. Etna's current activity consists of continuous summit degassing, explosive Strombolian eruptions, and frequent basaltic lava flows. Ash clouds from the explosive eruptions are especially hazardous to aircraft, since ash that is pulled into a jet engine can melt, coat moving parts with a layer of glass, and cause the engine to shut down. These dangerous ash clouds are often visible from space.

VEI: The Most Explosive Volcanic Eruptions Etna has also produced pyroclastic flows, ash falls, and mudflows, but the lava flows are the most immediately hazardous type of activity, especially to the city of Catania. While the flows themselves usually do not move fast enough to threaten humans, they can cover large areas and destroy crops and buildings. In the event of a large flank (fissure) eruption, evacuating the inhabitants of towns and cities near the volcano would be a huge challenge. Ruins: House buried by Etna Ruins of a small house partially buried by volcanic debris from Mount Etna. Image © iStockphoto / Peeter Viisimaa. Did You Know? . In 122 BC, when an explosive eruption rained so much ash and lapilli onto the town of Catania that many of its buildings were destroyed by roof collapses, the town's inhabitants were exempted from paying taxes to Rome for ten years. . There have been two attempts to control the path of lava flows threatening to destroy the town of Catania. The first was in 1669, and the second was in 1992.

During the 1992 attempt, the United States Marines worked with Italian volcanologists to develop "Operation Volcano Buster", in which they used explosives to blast a hole in a lava tunnel on Etna's flank and then dropped large blocks of concrete into the hole to try and stem the flow of the lava. Like the 1669 attempt, however, this plan was ultimately unsuccessful. Sicilian Vineyard in the shadow of Mount Etna A Sicilian vineyard growing in the shadow of Mount Etna. The inhabitants of Sicily must balance the advantage of rich volcanic soil with the dangers of losing their crops and farms to an eruption from the still-active volcano. Image © iStockphoto / Domenico Pellegriti. More Etna Information Etna Volcano Etna Volcano Mount Etna is a complex stratovolcano which towers 3340m over the city of Catania on the Mediterranean Island of Sicily. The volcano has been frequently active in recent times and shows a combination of mild explosive activity, sometimes producing sustained ash columns, together with frequent A'a type lava flows which may reach runouts of several km.

Spectacular paroxysmic lava fountaining events have been frequently observed at the summit craters in recent years. Lava flow fed from SE crater emerging at base of Hornito, top of Valle del Bove, November 2006. Ash eruptions from vent on E flank of SE crater, November 2006 Lava flow transporting rolling rock. Top of Valle del Bove, November 2006. Main Features of Mount Etna Mount Etna volcano is a massive volcanic complex with numerous features, testament to its long and varied eruptive history. Some of the main features are shown below. Summit Craters The summit complex consists of a main structure with two adjacent craters (Voragine and Bocca Nuova), a NE crater and the large SE crater which was rapidly approaching the height of the summit craters until activity shifted to a vent on its E flank, now known as SEC-E (or SEC-2). The SE crater is located at the top of the Valle del Bove and numerous lava flows from the crater have entered this depression in recent years. All of the summit craters have been active in recent times.

Summit craters viewed from N crater - SE crater (left), Voragine, Bocca Nuova (off to right) SE Crater of Mt Etna SE Crater of Mt Etna, July 2011 North crater viewed from road to SE Ash cloud rising from Bocca Nuova crater, July 2011 Inside wall of North Crater (SW section) North crater, view E along S rim Summit plateau with Voragine crater View towards SE across Voragine crater to adjoining Bocca Nuova which is largely shrouded in gas Ash eruption in Bocca Nuova in evening light, July 2011. Sharp ridge separating Voragine and BN is visible in front left Fumaroles on north flank of Bocca Nuova View of summit region from east. In order from left: SE crater complex, main crater complex (BN, VOR, NE), ancient volcanic structures View of summit region from SW. Summit craters top left. Degassing SEC-E , with original SE crater behind to left (July 2011) SE / SEC-E complex in October 2011 after 14th paroxysm of year.

Red circle indicates tourist bus for scale Valle del Bove Depression The Valle del Bove depression is the site of numerous coalescing collapse features resulting from activity of the ancient Trifoglietto eruptive centers. In recent years, the large depression on the East flank of Etna has frequently channelled lava flows from eruptions of the SE crater complex. The depression is essentially horseshoe-shaped and about 5km wide and 10 long Depression with line of craters from Montagnola, 3 craters of 2001/2 eruptions, to SE crater (left to right) on plane above View across collection of dikes to cliffs overlooking depression and SE crater complex SE crater complex (top right) perched above the Valle del Bove depression. View from Serra della Concazze. SW flank of depression with La Montagnola cinder cone (1763) in top right corner, 2002 cone top right Ancient volcanic dike (sheetlike intrusion) exposed by erosion.

Volcanic dike structures formed by magma rising into elastic cracks and solidifying Piano Provenzano Area Further, lava flows from Etna are frequently emitted from fissures in the area surrounding the summit craters of lower on the flanks of the volcano and the landscape has many parasitic cones as a result. Numerous craters were most recently formed in October 2002, when craters were formed south of the summit craters and along a fissure on the north flank, from which lava flowed into the Piano Provenzano ski resort, destroying much of its infrastructure. Craters of 2002 eruption on N flank viewed from summit Trees embedded in lava, Piano Provenzano area Lava flows entering Piano Provenzano area, where skiing facilities and shops were destroyed Further Features Numerous small volcanic structures, largely monogenetic cinder-cones formed by short-lived eruptive events, are found in the summit region and on the flanks of Etna. Craters south of summit formed during 2002 eruption Cinder cones incl.

Monti Calcarazzi (1766) and Monti Silvestri (1892) near Rifugio Sapienza tourist center Monte Frumento delle Concazze cinder cone, NE flank of Etna History of Eruptive Activity at Mount Etna Over 500000 years ago, submarine basalt lavas layed the foundation of present day Mount Etna volcano. Thereafter, modest effusive structures were emplaced, which are now buried in the NE flank of the volcano. The summit of the largest of these, Monte Callana (1325m) is still visible near Zafferana. About 80000 years ago, activity became increasingly explosive and the Trifoglietto stratovolcano was gradually built up. Little is visible of this structure today, although its remains make up much of the volume of the eastern flank of Etna. The Valle del Bove depression is the last visible remnant of the activity of Trifoglietto and signifies the location of its eruptive centers.

Trifoglieto consisted of a number of highly eruptive centers which erupted huge amounts of scoriae, lapilli and ash during large eruptions which dwarfed the size of present-day eruptions at the volcano. The rapid emptying of the magma chambers resulted in numerous caldera-forming collapse events. The Valle del Bove is the result of a number off coalescing collapses. It seems that between 65000 and 35000 years ago, activity was reduced at Etna. The center of present Mongibello volcano (today generally referred to as Etna) has since grown up on the SW flank of Trifoglietto, eventually covering most of the former structure. Two eruptive phases of Mongibello are distinguished. The "Antique" phase (35000-8000 years ago) was mostly explosive like Trifoglietto. The "Recent" phase (8000-0 years ago) has seen the establishment of more effusive activity and has led to the build-up of the present day structure including all of its summit craters.

However, Etna is also capable of explosive activity, and along with Tarawera and Masaya volcanoes, is one of the few volcanoes for which basaltic plinian activity has been documented. Deposits of the 122 AD eruption reveal that it involved 2 distinct Plinian phases (Houghton et al., 2004. J. Volc. Geotherm. Res. 137, p.1-14), the first of which being preceeded by strombolian and phreatomagmatic activity. It is postulated that the first phase stopped after the conduit narrowed by accumulation of cooler, partially degassed magma on its walls. A phase of phreatomagmatic activity followed, which is suggested to have removed the degassed material allowing resumption of Plinian activity. The eruption was concluded by a weak phreatomagmatic phase. The material in the Plinian deposits is exceptionally rich in microlite crystals. This is possibly the result of cooling of the magma in the conduit. High microlite content increases magma viscosity and limits degassing until the magma reaches the top of the conduit.

This can account for the unusually explosive fragmentation of the magma resulting in the Plinian eruption (Houghton and Gonnermann, 2008. Chemie der Erde 68, p.117-140). The 122 AD event emplaced at least 10cm of material over an area of 530 square kilometers and involved eruption of about 0.4 cubic km of dense rock equivalent (DRE). Historical records at Etna date back many centuries. Most historical eruptions were essentially effusive. Their impact on the local population depended primarily on the size and path of the emitted lava flows. In the past 8000 years, lava flows have covered the whole area in a radius of 15km from the summit. In many directions, these lavas coat the landscape to a distance of 20km and more. Much of these lavas erupted from fissures in the flanks rather than the summit area. The most notable historic eruptions are those that affected inhabited areas, in particular the city of Catania which is located on the coast 25km SE of the summit craters.

Lava from an eruptive fissure 6km above the city inundated the northern parts of it in 1381 and reached the sea. In 1669, a vent opened at 850m altitude and erupted 1 cubic km of lava in 122 days. The flows reached a length of 15km, covered an area of 37.5 square km and entered the center of Catania. Eruptions from fissures low on the flanks often produce large amounts of lava since they can be fed from the conduit even when the level of magma therein has dropped significantly. Since then, the largest eruption volume was in 1991-1993, when 0.3 cubic km of lava were emitted over a 473 day period, starting on 14 December, from several vents along a huge fissure that extended from the base of the SE crater at 3000m to locations just over 2000m at the top of Valle del Bove.

Up to 300m high lava fountains and strombolean and phreatomamatic explosions were observed in the first days of the eruption, after which activity settled into an effusive pattern at vents near the lowest part of the fissure. Lava flows rapidly entered the Valle del Bove, and by December had covered a distance of 7km to within 2km of the town of Zafferana. In order to save the town, attempts were made to stop the flows by building trenches and earth walls, the main trench was overflown on April 7 1992 and lava proceeded to within 1 km of Zafferana on 14 and 20 April. Explosive were deployed to try and disrupt the lava tunnels which had formed in the Vale del Bove and were feeding the lower parts of the flow. Further attempts were made by throwing concrete blocks into the lava tunnels to divert the lava out of them. These attempts were however only partially successful, slowing the flows for several days. After an initial attempt at rechanneling lava into an artificial channel brought some success, a new attempt was made. A large channel was excavated next to the main tube.

After the channel had been completed, only a thin wall separated the tube from the channel. This was blown away on the 27th of May allowing a proportion of the lava to drain into the new channel. In the following days, complete diversion was achieved by blocking the natural tunnel just downstream of the channel using concrete slabs that were slid into it. This diversion was the first effective measure and together with reduced effusion rates by the end of June meant that the town of Zaferrana was saved. The eruption continued to send lava into the Valle del Bove from various vents along the fissure until ceasing on March 30, 1993. Activity at the summit craters started again in July 1995 and spectacular ash eruptions, strombolian activity, lava flows and even intense lava fountaining episodes could be observed. Indeed in July 1997, all craters had become active in the summit region. On 4 September 1999, an unprecedented 1500m high lava fountain was observed from the Voragine (Main summit crater) and 5 Million cubic meters of material were deposited downwind.

5 cm long scoriae fell on the beach near Riposto and Giarre received a several cm thick layer of deposits. Accumulated hot pyroclasts on the S flank caused a debris avalanche to a length of 500m. Activity at the adjacent Bocca Nuova crater was elevated after 5 October 1999. On the 25th of October, an endogenous dome was formed at the S flank of the Bocca Nuova (the rim of which had already been covered with accumulating pyroclasts and breached by lava flows). Rockfalls forming from this dome had the appearance of classic pyroclastic flows reached up to 600m runout distances over a period of 40 minutes (the period during which dome growth could be observed). It is thought that magma rising up along the old crater wall pushed recently deposited and still hot pyroclastics, together with part of the crater wall upwards and outwards, leading to this short-lived dome-building event which is the first of its kind to be observed at a basaltic volcano (Behncke et al., 2003 (J. Volc. and Geotherm. Res.

124:115-128)). Up to 20 million cubic meters were erupted between 17 October and 3 November at the Bocca Nuova. Early 2000 provided for repeated spectacular paroxysmal lava fountaining episodes and lava flows at the SE crater. In March, these eventually led to the partial destruction and burial of the Torre del Filosofo mountain hut. Fountain heights of 500-600m, pulsing to over 800m were reported. The eruptive period in July and August 2001 is interesting since several new vents opened and threatened the touristic facilities at Rifugio Sapienza. The eruption was preceeded by 14 paraxysmic lava fountaining episodes at the SE crater in the period from 17 June to 13 July. On July 17, a strong eruption at the SE crater was followed by the opening of an eruptive fissure at 3000m near its base. Later in the day, further vents opened at an elevation of 2800 and 2700m along a SSW line.

Early on 18 July a vent opened at 2100m near the Sapienza Refuge, 200m uphill from Mt Silvestri crater. Minor lava fountaining ocurred and a lava flow crossed the road between the Silvestri carter and the Rifugio, proceeding 6km down the mountain in the following week. On July 19, a new cone (Montagnola II or Piano del Lago) was rapidly built 200m uphill from the 2600m Montagnola crater overlooking the upper cable car station. This cone erupted in a violent phreatomagmatic and later magmatic fashion, producing huge amounts of ash causing disruption to the city of Catania. Flows from vents near the base of this cone threatened the cablecar facilities and Rifugio (which was protected using an earth wall). On 28 July, powerful explosions threw car-sized projectiles to a distance of 500m from the vent. The upper cable car station was seriously damaged by these events, finally being set alight by a lava flow on 30 July. Eruptive activity diminished in August and ceased by the 10th of that month.

A total of over 30 million cubic meters of material was erupted. The next major eruption occurred starting on 27 October 2002. Eruptive fissures opened on both the N and S flanks resulting in lava fountaining and flows, accompanied by intense seismic activity which severely damaged buildings at Piano Provenzano (Note: a large Earthquake on 29 Oct. also damaged hundreds of homes in Sta Verenina). Lava flows from vents along the N fissure (at an altitude of 2500-1800m) rapidly spread over the Piano Provenzano tourist facilities, completing their destruction, and proceeded into the forests below in the direction of Linguaglossa, eventually stopping days later 5km from the vents. The N vents became inactive by November 3rd. The S fissure produced two large cinder cones (eventually reaching heights of about 200m each) at around 2700 and 2750m elevation. Activity at these initially involved fire fountaining with an associated large ash plume, together with lava flows of up to 2km. These flows stopped by 3 November but fountaining continued.

On 9-10 December, vents at the base of the 2750m cone emitted lava flows which crossed the road by Rifugio Sapienza on December 17. 32 people were injured by an explosion when a tank exploded inj a building that had been inundated by lava nearby. The Rifugio however survived once again, although the cable car facilities were again destroyed. Further shorter flows and strombolian activity at the new vents continued until 28 January 2003, when the eruption finally stopped. An estimated 70 million cubic meters of material was erupted, the majority of which (unusually) being pyroclasts. Ash eruptions from new vent - November 2002 Ash cloud from November 2002 eruption of Etna passing over the city of Catania. The city is frequently affected by ash which can lead to closure of the airport. Earthquake damage caused by tremors accompanying the Nov.2002 eruption. Etna eruptions are frequently accompanied by minor earthquakes. Activity including paroxysms and lava flows have also occurred since 2003 but not reaching the same intensity or level of impact.

Etna was visited again by the author in Nov. 2006, during an eruptive episode centering around the E flank of the SE crater. Ash emissions from the SE crater were observed, as was an erupting hornito being fed by an underground channel and lava flows emanating therefrom. Summit region of Etna on evening of 24. Nov. 2006. Lava flows emanating from flank of the SE crater are visible. Lava flow fed from SE crater emerging at base of Hornito, top of Valle del Bove, November 2006. Lava flow in Valle del Bove, Nov. 2006 Lava flow in Valle del Bove, Nov. 2006 Flow from base of hornito, Nov. 2006 Vent on SE Crater erupting, Nov. 2006 View from upper cable car station Flow from base of hornito accompanied by mild strombolian activity, Nov. 2006 2011 has seen the return of one of the most spectacular forms of activity at Etna.

Several powerful paroxysms have been observed at varying intervals from the SEC-E vent, with the most powerful to date propelling lava to a height of about 1 km on the 9th of July. During August these events were occuring weekly, yet the events have since become less frequent and predictable. By mid-october, the 15th event of this kind had been witnessed. The 24th paroxysm on April 1st, 2012, pictures of which are shown below. Paroxysmal Eruption No.24 (2011-12 series), 01.04.2012 The paroxysm occurred in darkness during the early hours of the morning of April 1st, 2012. The eruption was preceeded by the typical precursor Strombolian activity. This began sporadically about 38 hours prior to the eruption and intensified in frequency and power in the hours leading up to the eruption.

SE Craters before onset of activity Ashcloud from first strombolian eruptions Powerful Strombolian eruption Small volcanic bombs landed about 4km from vent Example of volcanic bomb Tourism on Mount Etna Access to eruptions of Etna largely depends on the decisions of the local authorities restricting access. During the first weeks of the 2002-2003 eruption, roadblocks were set up near Nicolosi and Linguaglossa, severely restricting access. During the minor eruptions in Autumn 2006, access was regulated on an daily, sometimes hourly basis, and it was possible to get close to the lava flows entering the Valle del Bove. Lightning has caused more casualties on Etna than volcanic activity in recent times, and visitors should keep a good eye on the weather since there is little protection to be found in the summit region. The summit region is most easily approached using the cable-car from Rifugio Sapienza which takes one to an elevation of over 2600m, from where buses may take one up to an altitude of nearly 2900m.

The Rifugio has a large parking lot for day tourists and comfortable accomodation is available at the Hotel Corsaro nearby. Cable car station, Rifugio Sapienza Tourist shops at Rif. Sapienza Ski lift and cable cars above Rifugio Sapienza Hikers on road from cable car station to summit region Tourist bus parked in front of SE crater. Buried Torre del Filosofo alpine refuge in foreground. Warning sign buried in lapilli Italy's Mount Etna bursts into life - AOL News Italy's Mount Etna bursts into life Before you go, we thought you'd like these... See Gallery Italy's Mount Etna bursts into life TOPSHOT - Lava flows from the Mount Etna volcano on the southern Italian island of Sicily, near Catania, on December 6, 2015 at night. The volcano on the Mediterranean island threw up an ash column some seven kilometres (4.3 miles) high with lava flowing from the Voragine crater for the first time in two years, the National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology (INGV) said.

The eruption, which began on December 3, 2015, is among the most 'energetic of the past 20 years,' added the INGV. / AFP / GIOVANNI ISOLINO (Photo credit should read GIOVANNI ISOLINO/AFP/Getty Images) Lava flows from the Mount Etna volcano on the southern Italian island of Sicily, near Catania, on December 6, 2015 at night. The volcano on the Mediterranean island threw up an ash column some seven kilometres (4.3 miles) high with lava flowing from the Voragine crater for the first time in two years, the National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology (INGV) said. The eruption, which began on December 3, 2015, is among the most 'energetic of the past 20 years,' added the INGV.

AFP PHOTO / GIOVANNI ISOLINO / AFP / GIOVANNI ISOLINO (Photo credit should read GIOVANNI ISOLINO/AFP/Getty Images) People take pictures of the smoke rising over the city of Taormina during an eruption of the Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, near Catania, on December 4, 2015. / AFP / GIOVANNI ISOLINO (Photo credit should read GIOVANNI ISOLINO/AFP/Getty Images) Smoke rises over the city of Taormina during an eruption of the Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, near Catania, on December 4, 2015. / AFP / GIOVANNI ISOLINO (Photo credit should read GIOVANNI ISOLINO/AFP/Getty Images) TOPSHOT - Smoke rises over the city of Taormina during an eruption of the Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, near Catania, on December 4, 2015.

/ AFP / GIOVANNI ISOLINO (Photo credit should read GIOVANNI ISOLINO/AFP/Getty Images) Smoke rises over the city of Taormina during an eruption of the Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, near Catania, on December 4, 2015. / AFP / GIOVANNI ISOLINO (Photo credit should read GIOVANNI ISOLINO/AFP/Getty Images) Smoke rises over the city of Taormina during an eruption of the Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, near Catania, on December 4, 2015. / AFP / GIOVANNI ISOLINO (Photo credit should read GIOVANNI ISOLINO/AFP/Getty Images) Lava flows from the Mount Etna volcano on the southern Italian island of Sicily, near Catania, on December 6, 2015 at night.

The volcano on the Mediterranean island threw up an ash column some seven kilometres (4.3 miles) high with lava flowing from the Voragine crater for the first time in two years, the National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology (INGV) said. The eruption, which began on December 3, 2015, is among the most 'energetic of the past 20 years,' added the INGV. AFP PHOTO / GIOVANNI ISOLINO / AFP / GIOVANNI ISOLINO (Photo credit should read GIOVANNI ISOLINO/AFP/Getty Images) A view taken from Zafferana Etna shows lava flowing from the Mount Etna volcano on the southern Italian island of Sicily, near Catania, on December 6, 2015 at night. The volcano on the Mediterranean island threw up an ash column some seven kilometres (4.3 miles) high with lava flowing from the Voragine crater for the first time in two years, the National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology (INGV) said.

The eruption, which began on December 3, 2015, is among the most 'energetic of the past 20 years,' added the INGV. AFP PHOTO / GIOVANNI ISOLINO / AFP / GIOVANNI ISOLINO (Photo credit should read GIOVANNI ISOLINO/AFP/Getty Images) Up Next Mount Etna Volcano Italy general See Gallery Italy's Mount Etna bursts into life SICILY, ITALY - MAY 16: A stream of molten lava flows from Mount Etna on May 16, 2015 in Sicily, Italy. PHOTOGRAPH BY Marco Restivo / Barcroft Media (Photo credit should read Marco Restivo / Barcroft Media via Getty Images) SICILY, ITALY - MAY 16: A stream of molten lava flows from Mount Etna on May 16, 2015 in Sicily, Italy.

PHOTOGRAPH BY Marco Restivo / Barcroft Media (Photo credit should read Marco Restivo / Barcroft Media via Getty Images) SICILY, ITALY - MAY 16: A stream of molten lava flows from Mount Etna on May 16, 2015 in Sicily, Italy. PHOTOGRAPH BY Simone Genovese / Barcroft Media (Photo credit should read Simone Genovese / Barcroft Media via Getty Images) SICILY, ITALY - MAY 12: Molten lava flows from Mount Etna during the volcano eruption on May 12, 2015 in Sicily, Italy. Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity. PHOTOGRAPH BY Marco Restivo / Barcroft Media (Photo credit should read Marco Restivo / Barcroft Media via Getty Images) Lava flows from the Mount Etna volcano on the southern Italian island of Sicily near Catania on August 14, 2014. Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity.

AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI (Photo credit should read TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images) Lava flows from the Mount Etna volcano on the southern Italian island of Sicily near Catania on August 13, 2014. Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity. AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI (Photo credit should read TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images) Up Next Mount Etna - UNESCO World Heritage Centre Mount Etna Indicators Mount Etna Mount Etna is an iconic site encompassing 19,237 uninhabited hectares on the highest part of Mount Etna, on the eastern coast of Sicily. Mount Etna is the highest Mediterranean island mountain and the most active stratovolcano in the world. The eruptive history of the volcano can be traced back 500,000 years and at least 2,700 years of this activity has been documented. The almost continuous eruptive activity of Mount Etna continues to influence volcanology, geophysics and other Earth science disciplines.

The volcano also supports important terrestrial ecosystems including endemic flora and fauna and its activity makes it a natural laboratory for the study of ecological and biological processes. The diverse and accessible range of volcanic features such as summit craters, cinder cones, lava flows and the Valle de Bove depression have made the site a prime destination for research and education. Mont Etna Ce site emblématique recouvre une zone inhabitée de 19 237 ha, il s’agit des parties les plus hautes du Mont Etna, sur le littoral oriental de la Sicile. L’Etna est la plus haute montagne se trouvant sur une île méditerranéenne mais aussi le stratovolcan le plus actif du monde. Cette activité volcanique remonte à plus de 500 000 ans et elle est décrite depuis au moins 2 700 ans. L’activité éruptive quasi continue de l’Etna continue d’influencer la vulcanologie, la géophysique et d’autres disciplines des sciences de la terre.

Le volcan abrite d’importants écosystèmes, y compris une flore et une faune endémiques uniques. Compte tenu de son activité, l’Etna représente un laboratoire naturel pour l’étude des processus écologiques et biologiques. L’assemblage accessible et varié de caractéristiques volcaniques telles que les cratères de sommet, les cônes de cendre, les coulées de lave, les grottes de lave et la dépression du Valle de Bove fait de l’Etna une destination privilégiée pour la recherche et l’éducation.

source: UNESCO/ERI エトナ山 火山学の発展に寄与した活火山。シチリア島東部にあるエトナ山は、世界で最も活動的な成層火山の一つ。文献上では少なくとも2700年前から継続的な噴火の記録があり、これは、世界で最も長期にわたって記録された火山活動である。火山礫の積み重なったスコリア丘、溶岩流、溶岩洞窟、広大な窪地など多くの火山地形が見られ、火山学、地球物理学をはじめとする地球科学に影響を与えてきた。また、火山活動は、固有の植物相や、動物相を育むことから、エトナ山は生態学的・生物学的プロセスを研究する自然の実験室ともなっている。 source: NFUAJ Berg Etna Deze onbewoonde iconische locatie omvat 19.237 hectare op het hoogste deel van de Etna, aan de oostkust van Sicilië.

Het is de hoogste Mediterrane eilandberg en de meest actieve stratovulkaan ter wereld. De eruptieve geschiedenis van de vulkaan kan tot 500.000 jaar worden teruggevoerd en ten minste 2.700 jaar van deze activiteit is gedocumenteerd. De vulkaan ondersteunt ook belangrijke terrestrische ecosystemen, waaronder inheemse flora en fauna en zijn activiteit maakt het gebied een natuurlijk laboratorium voor de studie naar ecologische en biologische processen. De diverse en toegankelijke kraters, sintelkegels, lavastromen en de Valle de Bove kloof maken de berg Etna een goede plek voor onderzoek en onderwijs. Mount Etna © Ente Parco Etna Outstanding Universal Value Brief synthesis Mount Etna World Heritage Site (19,237 ha) comprises the most strictly protected and scientifically important area of Mount Etna, and forms part of the Parco dell’Etna Regional Nature Park.

Mount Etna is renowned for its exceptional level of volcanic activity, and the documentation of its activity over at least 2,700 years. Its notoriety, scientific importance, and cultural and educational value are of global significance. Criterion (viii): Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active and iconic volcanoes, and an outstanding example of ongoing geological processes and volcanic landforms. The stratovolcano is characterized by almost continuous eruptive activity from its summit craters and fairly frequent lava flow eruptions from craters and fissures on its flanks. This exceptional volcanic activity has been documented by humans for at least 2,700 years – making it one of the world's longest documented records of historical volcanism. The diverse and accessible assemblage of volcanic features such as summit craters, cinder cones, lava flows, lava caves and the Valle de Bove depression have made Mount Etna a prime destination for research and education. Today Mount Etna is one of the best-studied and monitored volcanoes in the world, and continues to influence volcanology, geophysics and other earth science disciplines.

Mount Etna’s notoriety, scientific importance, and cultural and educational value are of global significance. Integrity The boundaries of the property are clearly defined and encompass the most outstanding geological features of Mount Etna. The property includes very little infrastructure: a few forest / mountain tracks, a number of basic mountain shelters along the main forest tracks, and over 50 small seismic monitoring stations and a scientific observatory. A buffer zone of 26,220 ha surrounds the property, including parts of Mount Etna Regional Nature Park, and two tourism zones. These tourism zones include accommodation (hotels, huts), car parks, restaurants, cafes, a cableway, chair and drag lifts for ski tourism, information points, and ticket kiosks for guided drives, hikes and horse/donkey safaris. Protection and management requirements The Parco dell’Etna (Etna Park) was established as a Regional Nature Park by Decree of the President of the Sicilian Regional Authority in May 1987. The property includes part of this Park, comprising the zone defined as an integral reserve.

In addition, nine Natura 2000 sites overlap the property to various degrees, providing additional protection for 77% of the area under European legislation. The regulations provided within the Decree provide for adequate protection of the key values of the property. Since the completion of a land acquisition process in 2010, 97.4% of the property’s area is in public ownership (region or communities). In contrast, 56.6% of the buffer zone is privately owned. The management of the property is coordinated by Ente Parco dell’ Etna, established as the managing authority of Etna Park by Decree of the President of the Sicilian Regional Authority in May 1987, working in close cooperation with the Regional Authority of State Forests and the Regional Corps of Forest Rangers (Corpo Forestale). Management is guided by a long-term management plan and Triennial Intervention Programmes. The property has no permanent population, is free of roads, and its use restricted to research and recreation. Vehicle access to the limited network of forest and mountain tracks appears to be strictly controlled (e.g.

through gates and fences) and is only permitted for park management purposes and authorized activities such as research and organized 4x4 drives on the main track from the tourism facilities in the buffer zone to the INGV observatory. Except for possible maintenance of the observatory, no construction projects are permitted or planned within the property. Public access to the top of Mount Etna may be officially prohibited for safety reasons, although this regulation has been difficult to enforce. Organized recreational activities such as mountain biking and horse / donkey riding require advance authorisation. Although they appear to be limited at present, they need to be well monitored and managed to avoid negative impacts such as erosion and disturbance of wildlife. No dogs are allowed in the property and illegal hunting appears to be under control. Low-intensity grazing is permitted and occurs in parts of the property in the summer season. Limited silvicultural interventions are implemented in the property to reduce the risk from forest fires and maintain access routes. Climate change has the potential to increase the risk of forest fires in the region and impact the species and communities on Mount Etna. Natural hazards resulting from the volcanic activity of the property will always pose a risk to certain features and facilities of the park and beyond.

Strengthened park visitor facilities are needed, taking into account best practice and lessons learned at other comparable World Heritage properties. News (1) Mount Etna’s stunningly violent eruption was among the strongest in decades - The Washington Post Mount Etna’s stunningly violent eruption was among the strongest in decades The inside track on Washington politics. Be the first to know about new stories from PowerPost. Sign up to follow, and we’ll e-mail you free updates as they’re published. You’ll receive free e-mail news updates each time a new story is published. You’re all set! By Angela Fritz December 4, 2015 Follow @angelafritz Mount Etna erupts on Thursday morning. (“Nico di Messina” via Twitter ) Early Thursday morning, southern Italy woke up to see this remarkable display — Mount Etna, Sicily’s tallest peak and active volcano, was erupting after two years of silence. The sky glowed red above Sicily, seen above from Calabria, Italy’s most southern region. The skies were cloudless on Thursday morning and Mount Etna was capped in white snow. Scientists say it was among the most violent eruptions from the volcano in the past two decades.

The intense eruption exploded from Etna’s Voragine crater, and lofted ash 10,000 feet into the sky. The whole thing lasted less than an hour, according to Italy’s national institute of volcanology . The lava fountain reached heights of close to a mile. The world's most active volcano on the Mediterranean island of Sicily has been putting on an impressive display over the last few days. (Reuters) High level winds from the southwest pushed ash over villages in Sicily and southern Italy, which was seen clearly on infrared satellite images. Numerous lightning bolts were also captured in the billowing ash cloud, which can sometimes happen in the most intense eruptions : Lightning in volcanic eruptions is caused by the same reason it occurs in thunderstorms — negative and positive charges separate in the atmosphere, and lightning is what restores the charges to balance. But why the charge separation occurs in volcanic eruptions in the first place is still not well-understood. There seem to be a few theories, including one that suggests the ash ejected from the volcano already carries a certain charge, which then interacts with the charges in the atmosphere.

Volcanic lightning is difficult to capture — it usually only happens in the most intense eruptions, and is often confined to the very beginning of the eruption. While these are two of the hottest surfaces on Earth, lightning — at an astonishing 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit — is actually 25 times hotter than lava. Lightning is visible in a several hundred meters high cloud as Mount Etna spews lava and hot ash, as seen from Catania, Italy. (EPA/DAVIDE CAUDULLO) Smoke rises over the city of Taormina. (GIOVANNI ISOLINOGIOVANNI ISOLINO/AFP/Getty Images) (AP Photo/Salvatore Allegra) Towering Ancient Tsunami Devastated the Mediterranean Towering Ancient Tsunami Devastated the Mediterranean By Ker Than | November 30, 2006 02:57am ET MORE Maximum wave crests heights predicted by a computer simulation of the ancient event. Blue lines are arrival times of the first tsunami waves.

Credit: AGU A volcano avalanche in Sicily 8,000 years ago triggered a devastating tsunami taller than a 10-story building that spread across the entire Mediterranean Sea, slamming into the shores of three continents in only a few hours [image]. A new computer simulation of the ancient event reveals for the first time the enormity of the catastrophe and its far-reaching effects [video]. The Mt. Etna avalanche sent 6 cubic miles of rock and sediment tumbling into the water—enough material to cover the entire island of Manhattan in a layer of debris thicker than the Empire State Building is tall. The mountain of rubble crashed into the water at more than 200 mph. It pummeled the sea bed, transformed thick layers of soft marine sediment into jelly and triggered an underwater mudslide that flowed for hundreds of miles. Recreating an ancient disaster To create their computer simulation, researchers at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Italy used sonar-equipped boats to survey seafloor sediment displaced by the Mt. Etna avalanche.

Their recreation suggests the tsunami's waves reached heights of up to 130 feet and maximum speeds of up to 450 mph, making it more powerful than the Indonesian tsunami that killed more than 180,000 people in 2004. The researchers have also linked the ancient tsunami with the mysterious abandonment of Atlit-Yam, a Neolithic village located along the coast of present-day Israel. When archeologists discovered the village about 20 years ago, they found evidence of a sudden evacuation, including a pile of fish that had been gutted and sorted but then left to rot. "A tsunami was not suspected before," lead researcher Maria Pareschi told LiveScience. Could happen today According to Pareschi, if the same tsunami struck today, Southern Italy would be inundated within the first 15 minutes [image]. In one hour, the waves would reach Greece's western coasts. After an hour and a half, the city of Benghazi in Northern Africa would be hit. At the three and a half hour mark, the waves would have traversed the entire Mediterranean to reach the coasts of Israel, Lebanon and Syria. Avalanches and minor eruptions still occur on Mt.

Etna today , but so far, nothing approaching the magnitude of the ancient event. "Should the Neolithic Etna tsunami have occurred today, the impact is tremendous because the Eastern Mediterranean coasts are very inhabited ones," Pereschi said. See the Simulation Video: Timelapse footage shows one of Mount Etna's most dramatic eruptions in 20 years - Telegraph Italy Timelapse footage shows one of Mount Etna's most dramatic eruptions in 20 years Stunning timelapse footage shows Italy's Mount Etna spouting a column of ash as large as 4.3 metres into the sky in one of the volcano's biggest eruptions in decades By Charlotte Krol, and AFP, video source Newsflare / Restivo_Marco 3:26PM GMT 06 Dec 2015 Fire and hot ash spewed high into the sky from Italy's Mount Etna in Sicily Friday, in one of the most dramatic eruptions of Europe's highest active volcano in the past 20 years.

The volcano on the Mediterranean island threw up an ash column some 4.3 miles high with lava flowing from the Voragine crater for the first time in two years, the National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology (INGV) said. Mount Etna spouts a column of ash as large 4.3 metres into the sky (Newsflare / Restivo_Marco) The eruption, which began on Thursday, is among the most "energetic of the past 20 years," added the INGV. Flights were disrupted at Catania airport, as well as at Reggio Calabria on the Italian mainland across the Strait of Sicily. The 3,295-metre peak regularly awakens to spew lava and ash in eruptions that can last for days at a time. What to See and Do in Sicily | Holiday Inspiration in SicilyÂ There are six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sicily: Valley of the Temples in Agrigento Valley of the Temples in Agrigento One of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture, and is one of the main attractions of Sicily as well as a national monument of Italy.

Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina A Roman villa built in the first quarter of the 4th century located about 3km outside the town of Piazza Armerina. It contains the richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. The Aeolian Islands The Aeolian Islands Also known as the Lipari Islands, this volcanic archipelago of 7 islands are in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily, named after the demigod of the winds Aeolus. The islands can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil as a day trip or short break and are a popular tourist destination in the summer. Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto "Represent the culmination and final flowering of Baroque art in Europe" and include the towns of Caltagirone, Militello in Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa and Scicli all in the south east of the island.

Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica Syracuse is notable for its rich Greek history, culture, amphitheatres and architecture and the large necropolis has over 5,000 tombs dating from the 13th to the 7th centuries BC. They are both situated in south east Sicily. Mount Etna Mount Etna Listed in 2013, Mount Etna is an iconic site encompassing 19,237 uninhabited hectares in the north east of Sicily. It is the highest Mediterranean island mountain and the most active strato-volcano in the world with its eruptive history traced back 500,000 years, influencing volcanology, geophysics and other Earth sciences. Places to Visit Sicily has a selection of towns and places of interest to visit, that illustrate the diversity and charm of the island. These include towns and villages and examples of the places that are worth a visit purely because of their natural beauty. Nature Reserves Nature Reserves Sicily boasts a number of coastal nature reserves, ideal for bird watching, hiking, swimming and snorkelling.

These include the beautiful Plemmirio Nature Reserve near Syracuse where fauna and flora can be found in abundance along with numerous marine species including dolphins and sperm whales. Vendicari Nature Reserve also on the south east coast is home to Herons, Cranes, black Storks, Pelicans and home to a flamboyance of Flamingos in its lagoons, marshes, dunes and beaches. Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve on the north west tip of the island is another beautiful coastal park and is home to several beautiful little secluded coves surrounded by the sea, worn limestone cliffs as well as 700 varieties of Mediterranean trees, shrubs and flowers and 40 different species of birds. The Greek Theatre in Taormina The Greek Theatre in Taormina The theatre is Greek in design, therefore believed to have been originally constructed during the Hellenistic period. However, due to the fact that it is built primarily out of brick, it is widely accepted that the theatre was later adjusted and enlarged by the Romans, who used it to host a number of gladiatorial shows.

Like many amphitheatres, the Taormina theatre is situated at the top of a hill where the natural incline of the valley complements the seating design and provides a stunning view of the sea and Mount Etna. At 109 metres in diameter, the theatre is the second largest on the island (the first being in Syracuse) and is one of the most popular historic monuments on the island and used to host a number plays, shows and concerts throughout the year and an annual film festival in June. Vineyards & Sicilian Wine Vineyards & Sicilian Wine Wine is an integral part of the Sicilian culture and a number of Sicilian restaurants pride themselves on their extensive local wine lists and well stocked cellars. Among the local wines, try the Etna red, white and rose produced in the fertile soil of the volcano's vineyards. Full bodied red or white Cerasuolol comes from Vittoria, near Ragusa. From vineyards near Palermo, Donnafugata is a fruity white wine. In the west Bianco di Alcamo is an honourable white wine popular around Trapani and Marsala from Marsala is the most famous of the island's dessert wines.

The Nero d'Avola is the island's most important red grape and until relatively recent years was used to strengthen weaker French wines. Today the grape is used to produce a full-bodied but not overpowering wine which is often compared to Syrah in terms of its flavour. However, to this day it is the Sicilian Marsala, a sweet fortified wine frequently used in cooking, that the island is most famous for. There are a number of guided vineyard tours with wine tasting across the island where travellers can learn more about the production and varieties of Sicilian wine such as Santa Anastasia Winery in Castelbuono, Corvo Winery in Casteldaccia near Palermo, Florio winery in Marsala, Scilio Winery in Linguaglossa and Baglio del Cristo at Campobello di Licata near Agrigento.

Sicilian Street Food Sicilian Street Food Sicily boasts a wide range of street foods: Arancini are popular fried balls of rice filled with ragù, mozzarella or even peas and breadcrumb coated; Pani ca meusa is a sesame flavoured bread stuffed with veal's lung and spleen often found in Palermo; Sfincione is a pizza-like snack topped with tomatoes, onions and caciocavallo cheese. Granita has seen a huge revival being a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavourings, served with brioche. Originally from Sicily, which was thought to have been inspired by the ice cold sherbet enjoyed by the Arabs, Granita has a coarser, more crystalline texture than sorbet that makes granita distinct and unique. However it varies from city to city on the island - in the west and in Palermo it is at its chunkiest, and in the east it is nearly as smooth as sorbet.

Volcanoes Volcanoes Sicily is home to Mount Etna, Europe's highest (3,323m) and most active volcano, ( see Mount Etna > ) and is close to the Aeolian Archipelago with several active volcanoes on Stromboli and Vulcano. There are various trips to view Mount Etna which can be arranged by most hotels in the north east with tours of the national park, treks and 4 wheel drive excursions. Stromboli and Vulcano islands can be accessed by ferry or hydrofoil and feature natural springs, mud baths, craters, dramatic cliffs and on Stromboli nightly shows of molten rock spewing up into the sky every 20 minutes or so. The Aeolian Islands The Aeolian Islands The largest and most visited is Lipari reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Milazzo (the nearest), Cefalù and Palermo. Vulcano is closest to Sicily with natural mud baths, hot springs, a smoking crater and black sand beaches. Panarea is the prettiest, smallest and most exclusive.

Stromboli is the most northern island and home to the very active volcano of the same name and a nocturnal spectacle (invisible during the day) with scarlet sparks every 20 minutes or so. Salina with its extinct twin peaked volcano is the most fertile and green island ideal for walking. Filicudi is understated and unspoilt. Alicudi is located a 5 hour journey from the north coast of Sicily and is the most uncompromising.

Question: On which Mediterranean island is mount Etna
Answer: Sicily