Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, has entered a new eruptive phase, captivating onlookers with its dramatic display of nature's power. Starting last night, the Southeast Crater became the center of activity, with explosive eruptions from several summit vents and lava flows directed towards the southeast and south. By 2:45 AM, the Strombolian activity transitioned into pulsating lava fountains, soaring to heights of 200-300 meters above the eruptive vents.
Around 3:30 AM, a brief fallout of small lapilli was observed in the Piano Vetore area, on the high southwestern flank of Etna. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology's forecast model suggests that any eruptive cloud from the current activity would disperse towards the south-southwest, shifting to the southwest in the morning hours.
The volcanic tremor amplitude peaked around 2 AM, remaining at high levels, with the source located near the Southeast Crater at about 2,700 meters above sea level. Infrasonic activity is also high, both in terms of event rate and energy, localized at the Southeast Crater. Despite the dramatic eruptions, Catania's Vincenzo Bellini International Airport remains operational, with the aviation alert level set to orange.
This latest eruption adds to Mount Etna's long history of volcanic activity, offering both a spectacle for observers and a reminder of the dynamic forces shaping our planet. The event underscores the importance of continuous monitoring by volcanologists to ensure the safety of nearby communities and air traffic.
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