EtnaUpdater @EtnaUpdater@qoto.org
Volcanophilic nerd & #volcano hiker blogging about Mt #Etna since 2004. Find tweets about Etna and also my backyard geology, the #Vogelsberg area.
Joined Nov 2022
Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily - 14.04.24
On April 7, an explosive ash emission occurred at the summit crater Bocca Nuova. This caused a large area of the southern crater floor to collapse. After this event, the volcanic tremor dropped and continued to decrease and has now reached a low level.
The activity at the new vent of the Southeast Crater, which has been producing pulsating glow (Strombolian activity or emission of hot gas) and many gas rings since April 2, also decreased significantly after the explosion in the Bocca Nuova.
Today there were again isolated ash emissions from Bocca Nuova and from the new vent of the Southeast Crater.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
This INGV webcam photo taken from the upper south eastern flank of the mountain on the afternoon of April 7, shows the explosve ash emissin from the Bocca Nuova and gas rings from the Southeast Crater:
Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily - 04.04.24
After more than three months of quiet gas emissions, mild Strombolian activity began on Mt Etna on the evening of April 2. The small explosions occurred at a vent on the upper northern flank of the New South East Crater. On the day of April 3rd, many gas rings were produced by the vent. During the night of April 4th, the Strombolian activity was somewhat weaker again. The activity phase was accompanied by an increase in tremor.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
This INGV webcam photo taken from the eastern flank of the mountain on the evening of April 2, shows the strombolian activity as a small reddish spot:
Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily - 29.12.23
Two isolated explosions occurred at the South East Crater complex last week. A significant enlargement of the north-western pit was observed in Bocca Nuova. The tremor remained at a medium level.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
This INGV webcam photo shows the explosion at the Southeast Crater Complex, which occurred in the early hours of 23 December from an easterly direction. The eastern flank of the New Southeast Crater is covered with incandescent material and an ash cloud stands above the cone. The scene is almost outshone by the bright light of the setting moon:
Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily - 22.12.23
During the last week, the unrest at Mt. Etna increased again, as there were isolated explosions at both Bocca Nuova and the South East Crater complex. However, the seismic activity decreased and the tremor remained unchanged.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
This INGV webcam photo shows an explosive emission of gas and brownish ash from Bocca Nuova summit crater:
Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily
On 1 December, a new paroxysm occurred at the South East Crater complex of Mount Etna. This began in the late afternoon with an intensification of the stromoblian activity that had been ongoing for around 14 days. This soon turned into the emission of lava fountains up to 400 metres high. The eruption column was driven in a north-easterly direction and caused ash rain down as far as the coast in the Giardini/Naxos area. Lava flows poured through the southern breach of the cone to the west/south-west and through the eastern breach in the direction of Valle del Bove. The explosive activity ceased in the late evening, but lava was still produced for a few hours.
This INGV webcam photo shows the paroxysm at the South East Crater from south eastern direction:
Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily
During the past week, moderate Strombolian explosions occurred at times at the South East Crater complex. The tremor was subject to strong fluctuations and reached high levels several times.
This evening there was sustained Strombolian activity. The explosions were often strong enough to eject incandescent material onto the upper flanks of the cone. It is possible that this activity will escalate into a paroxysm.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
This INGV webcam photo shows the Strombolian activity at the South East Crater from eastern direction:
Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily
After a long build-up phase, the expected paroxysm occurred today at the South East Crater complex of Mount Etna. Lava fountains were released and a lava flow was emitted in a southerly direction. Ash rain fell on the villages on the east/south-east flank of the mountain.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
This webcam photo was taken during the peak of the paroxysmal episode by INGV. It was taken from the eastern flank and shows the strong glow within the cloud cap that unfortunately covered the summit area during the eruption. Above you can see the eruption column of gas and ash, which is being bent by the wind in an easterly direction:
Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily
For several days, there has been ongoing strombolian activity at Etna's Southeast Crater complex. Meanwhile, Bocca Nuova emitted pulse-like hot gas and produced many gas rings.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
This webcam photo taken last night from the eastern flank of Mt. Etna shows one of the mild strombolian explosions in the Southeast Crater complex. The incandescent material is ejected several tens of metres higher than the crater rim:
Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily
Mild strombolian activity has resumed at Mt Etna. Since the early morning hours of 22 October, very sporadic and mild strombolian explosions have been occurring at Etna's Southeast Crater. The explosions take place in the area between the old and new cones of the Southeast Crater complex and usually also release some brownish ash.
This photo of the La Montagnola - webcam (I.N.G.V.) from the evening of 23.10.2023 shows a mild strombolian explosion inside the Southeast Crater:
Quick Etna Update, 09.07.23
Today, minor ash emissions have started at Mt Etna's South East Crater complex. The source is apparently a vent located in the northeast summit area of New Southeast Crater. The grey ash clouds are accompanied by increased gas emission. In the evening, images from the INGV thermal imaging cameras also showed small thermal anomalies, suggesting the ejection of hot material. The tremor shows no particular abnormalities.
#Etna #volcano
Etna update, 07.07.2023
Last week, strong gas emission continued to occur at Bocca Nuova. Occasionally, pulse-like gas releases were also visible. Today, around 19:26, a relatively strong pulse-like gas emission occurred, which was associated with a seismic signal. At the Southeast Crater complex, most of the gas was emitted from a vent in the northeast summit area of New Southeast Crater. Here, gas emissions were persistent and appeared more powerful than in previous weeks. Occasionally, gas was also emitted in pulses. From the central area between the old and the new South East Crater, gas was persistently emitted from fumaroles extending along the inner crater walls. Fractures on the upper north flank of New Southeast Crater also persistently released some gas and white steam.
I did not observe any gas emissions at Voragine and Northeast Crater.
The evaluation of the data from the GPS stations showed no significant changes for the period between 26.06. and 02.07. However, the data showed the continuation of the slight inflation phase of the volcanic edifice [1].
The signals from the clinometric stations showed no significant changes for the period between 26.06 and 02.07 [1].
After a slight increase in the number of infrasound events from 26 June, the infrasound activity at the summit craters slowly decreased again until 02 July. However, strong winds also affected the measurements during this time. The amplitude of the events was low. In most cases, Bocca Nuova could be identified as the source, although some events also occurred at Southeast Crater [1].
Sulphur dioxide emissions at the summit craters remained at a medium level in the week from 26.06. to 02.07..
During the same period, ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) decreased significantly, but remained just at a medium level [1].
Last week, the online seismograms of station ECNE showed weak noise, as well as repeated various weak signals, some of which resembled explosion signals. These signals occurred about every 5 - 15 minutes. Today, two short sequences (2 - 3 min.) of stronger noise were recorded. The second event was associated with stronger gas emission from Bocca Nuova.
The tremor was at a medium level during the past week, with a slightly increasing trend [2].
In the period from 26 June to 02 July, the source of the tremor was below the southeast crater at a depth between 2400 - and 2900 m [1].
On 05.07. a series of earthquakes occurred in the area a few kilometres west of Bronte (west flank). The strongest quake had a magnitude of 4.0. The quakes occurred at a depth of between 9 and 30 km [3].
1. INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - Bollettino settimanale, 26/06/2023 - 02/07/2023
2. INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
3. INGV. Osservatorio Etneo. Sorveglianza e Monitoraggio. DATABASE TERREMOTI. Localizzazioni di sala operativa. 2023
Etna update, 21/05/2023
This morning, a paroxysm occurred at the Southeast Crater complex of Mt Etna. A lava fountain and a lava flow were released in a southerly direction. Ash rain fell in Adrano and Catania.
Torrential rains, stormy winds and dense clouds made it impossible to observe the summit region of Etna with webcams yesterday and today. The tremor, which also fluctuated at a high level yesterday, began to increase slowly at first from about 07:00 this morning. From about 08:00, the increase accelerated intensely and the tremor reached very high levels.
Unfortunately, none of the webcams allowed observation of the eruptive activity. However, around 12:40 p.m., the INGV webcam stationed in Catania showed ashfall. Ash and lapilli rains were also reported on social networks in various localities (e.g., Bronte, Adrano, Biancavilla). Around 11:30 a.m., the tremor decreased significantly and has been fluctuating at a medium level since then. Tonight it loosened up a bit and now glowing areas were visible via the webcams in the area between Monte Barbagallo and Monte Frumento Supino. This indicates that a lava flow has moved down the southern flank. During numerous previous paroxysmal phases of the Southeast Crater complex, most recently in February 2022, lava flows have already moved down here, released from the breach in the southern or southwestern flank of Southeast Crater. Also, via the Monte Cagliato thermal imager, the Southeast Crater complex was visible from the east for a very short time this evening. Here, at first glance, no new lava flows were visible, so the lava probably escaped only in a southerly direction.
Webcam photo by INGV - La Montagnola cam (S flank)
Etna update, 18/05/2023
Accompanied by earthquakes and a strong increase of the tremor, explosive activity started today in Bocca Nuova. In the meantime, the tremor has decreased again somewhat.
During the last 14 days, dense clouds, rain and fresh snow hindered the observation of Etna's summit region very often. During the cloud-free hours, the usual gas emissions appeared, which continued to be most vigorous at Bocca Nuova and often intensified in pulses.
At Voragine and Northeast Crater, I continued to observe no significant gas emissions. At the Southeast Crater complex, some gas was persistently emitted from the area of the central crater, between old and new Southeast Crater. Gas and white steam were also persistently emitted from the upper northern flank and the upper northeastern flank of New Southeast Crater.
On the morning of 14 May, a small explosive ash emission occurred at New Southeast Crater around 08:36. The starting point was apparently again a vent on the upper northeastern flank of the cone, which had already caused a similar explosion on 06 May. I could not observe further ash emissions there.
After a series of light earthquakes that occurred this morning between 03:00 and 09:00 on the eastern flank of Etna in the area of Acireale - Santa Venerina - Linera and in the Valle del Bove, respectively, the tremor began to increase significantly from about 12:00. However, bad weather with many clouds prevented the observations at first. Later, the weather cleared up a bit and now it became obvious that a lot of gas and steam was rising from Bocca Nuova. From about 17:00, a small thermal anomaly was also visible over the central crater cone via the thermal imaging camera in Bronte, suggesting the release of hot material from Bocca Nuova. Other thermal anomalies were visible until at least 20:00, but appeared weaker than before despite better weather.
In the meantime, INGV has confirmed the explosive activity in Bocca Nuova. It is reported that the explosive activity started around 17:00. No ash has been emitted so far. The increase in tremor has continued, according to INGV. The source of the tremor was located between Bocca Nuova and Southeast Crater at about 2500 m altitude. The explosive activity could also be detected by infrasound from 17:00. As further reported, a seismic crisis started around 16:45 in the summit area of Etna. The strongest quake was recorded at 17:00 with a magnitude of 1.9. Also starting at 16:45, the clinometric stations in the summit area of Etna showed a change of two microradians. Slightly weakened, this change was also visible at lower stations [1].
In the last two weeks, small signals reminiscent of explosion signals were visible on the online seismograms of station ECNE about every 30 minutes. Due to strong tremor, the online signals were overlaid by strong noise from about 12:00 on May 18.
The tremor had increased slightly on May 12, remained at a medium level, decreased again slightly from May 16, and then began to increase significantly on May 18 at about 12:00. The tremor reached the preliminary peak around 17:00, then it decreased slightly again [2].
On 10.05. several earthquakes occurred in the Linera - San Giovanni Bosco area (eastern flank), the strongest having a magnitude of 2.4. On 13.05. an earthquake with a magnitude of 2.0 was recorded southeast of Paternò (southern flank). On 17.05. an earthquake of magnitude 1.8 occurred southwest of Monte Scorsone (eastern flank). On 18.05. several earthquakes occurred at very shallow depths in the Santa Maria Ammalati - Mangano - Santa Tecla area (southeastern flank), with the strongest shaking reaching a magnitude of 3.2. On the same day, two earthquakes occurred at Linera (eastern flank), with magnitudes of 2.2 and 2.3, respectively. Also on 18.05., an earthquake of magnitude 2.0 occurred at Monte Centenari (eastern flank), followed by two earthquakes of magnitudes 1.7 and 1.9, respectively, northeast of Monte Frumento Supino (New Southeast Crater area) [3].
My interpretation of the data and speculations about the further development:
The earthquakes on the southeast and east flanks of Etna that occurred early this morning were probably the response of a north-south trending fault to magma ascent. The magma ascent later became noticeable by significant changes in tilt of slopes at the clinometric stations. The final ascent was then also signaled by sharply increasing tremor. Apparently, the magma then found its way into Bocca Nuova, which has at least one open vent. There, strombolian explosions probably then occurred, as thermal anomalies were recorded over the summit crater. Apart from the explosive activity in Bocca Nuova, today's events remind me of November 15, 2022, when, accompanied by some earthquakes, the inclination of the mountain also changed rapidly and intense tremors started. At that time, however, there was no eruptive activity at first. However, it occurred 12 days later in the form of purely effusive activity at the Southeast Crater Complex. This activity continued until February of this year.
I think it is possible that the Southeast Crater Complex will be active again this time. There were already several light earthquakes there this afternoon. It could be that strombolian activity is starting at one of the vents, perhaps even the one that produced the two explosive ash emissions. However, it is also quite possible that an eruptive fissure, preferably on the southeast or northeast flank, opens and prolonged effusive activity resumes.
Of course, continued strombolian activity in Bocca Nuova is also conceivable, but I rather suspect that only the overpressure has discharged here and that Bocca Nuova will continue to serve for the release of the gases of the rising magma. The gas-depleted magma then slowly rises and seeks a weak spot, which as already mentioned should be found at the Southeast Crater Complex, and then generates purely effusive and longer-lasting activity. But maybe something completely different happens, because the old lady is always good for a surprise!
1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. 2023-05-18 15:43:49 - INVIO COMUNICATO GENERICO DI ATTIVITà VULCANICA
2 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
3 - INGV. Osservatorio Etneo. Sorveglianza e Monitoraggio. DATABASE TERREMOTI. Localizzazioni di sala operativa. 2023.
Webcam photo by INGV - Bronte thermal cam (W flank):
#Etna, 2016
An almost perfect ring of gas released from the Voragine, one of the summit craters of Mt Etna.
#Etna, 2007
A former house that was flooded by a lava flow in 1983. The house was excavated from the lava flow near Rifugio Sapienza.
Etna update, 07/05/2023
In the late evening of 06 May, a small explosive ash emission occurred on the upper eastern to northeastern flank of New Southeast Crater. On photos taken by INGV thermal imaging cameras, the explosion was visible as a small thermal anomaly around 23:25 (local time). Light-sensitive webcams also showed the explosive event. The explosion released a mushroom-shaped cloud of ash and steam that traveled in an easterly direction. After the event, pulsating glow could be seen on light-sensitive webcams for at least an hour. Escaping gas was apparently illuminated from below.
In the further course of the night and also today during the day I could not recognize any new explosive activity over the webcams. There was only increased gas or steam emitted from this area.
The increased gas emissions, as well as faint glow on the upper northeast flank had already been noticed since April 23.
The tremor did not increase before the explosion, but on the contrary was even slightly lower than on the previous days. It continues to fluctuate at a medium level [1].
1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
Webcam photo by INGV - Piedimonte Etneo cam (NE flank).
#Stromboli, June 2008
Lava bombs ejected from the volcanic crater roll and bounce down the steep flank (Sciara del Fuoco) of the island of Stromboli. With each impact, they produce small clouds of dust. Then they plunge into the sea.
May 2009 - Mt Etna, Sicily
Since May 2008, Mt Etna has been producing lava from an eruptive fissure on its upper eastern flank. Temporary vents open again and again, squeezing out viscous lava like toothpaste.
July 2010 - Mt Etna, Sicily
The view goes down from the northwestern rim of the Central Crater cone to the vent of the Voragine. Behind it, you can see the strongly eroded boundary wall to Bocca Nuova, another summit crater of Etna. A lot of gas rises here.
March 2007 - Turrialba, Costa Rica
This volcano is the second highest volcano of Costa Rica with 3325 m height. The view goes from the central crater to the southwest. Behind the wall is the active crater, which showed first signs of awakening during my visit.
Volcanophilic nerd & #volcano hiker blogging about Mt #Etna since 2004. Find tweets about Etna and also my backyard geology, the #Vogelsberg area.
Joined Nov 2022
