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 - 08.12.23
Following the paroxysm at the South Eeast Crater complex, only the usual gas emissions occurred at Mt Etna last week. The tremor remained at a medium level.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
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
Following the paroxysm of the South East Crater, there was another one-day phase of Strombolian activity. Since then, there was only calm release of gas . The tremor has stabilised at a medium level.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
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
During last week, the mild strombolian activity at Etna's Southeast Crater complex continued. The tremor remained unchanged and the seismic activity was only slightly increased.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
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:
Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily
During the last week, Mt Etna remained somewhat unsettled. The energetic emissions of hot gas in Bocca Nuova continued and a swarm quake occurred on the northern flank.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily
The mountain remained unsettled last week as well. There were individual ash releases from the southeast crater complex. The tremor increased somewhat and the seismograms showed occasional explosion signals.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
Short update - Mt Etna, Sicily
During the past week, Etna's restless sleep continued. There was pulse-like emission of hot gas, as well as production of gas rings from Bocca Nuova. Seismic activity has increased somewhat and slight inflation of the volcanic edifice has been observed.
You can find more information on my website https://www.vulkan-etna-update.de (German language).
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, 16.06.2023
Etna remained quiet last week as well. However, increasing inflation and gas emissions, as well as a slight increase in tremor, could be the first signs of an imminent eruption.
Clouds continued to frequently hinder observation of the summit craters via webcams last week. During the cloud-free hours, intense gas emission was observed at Bocca Nuova, which was occasionally intensified in a pulse-like manner. At the Southeast Crater Complex, steam was emitted persistently from the area of the large breach respectively the crater between the old and the new Southeast Crater. From the northeastern to northern summit area of the New Southeast Crater, fumaroles released gas and steam persistently. On the other hand, Voragine and Northeast Crater continued to emit only minor amounts of gas.
The evaluation of the data from the GPS stations showed an increase in the inflation of the volcanic edifice in the area of the central mountain flanks for the period between 5 and 11 June. This put an end to the persistent slight deflation that had been going on for several months [1].
The signals from the clinometric stations showed no significant changes for the period between 05 and 11 June [1].
The measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters was affected by strong winds in the period between 05 and 11 June. The number of events was at a similar level as in the previous week. The amplitude of the events was low. The source was mainly Bocca Nuova [1].
Sulphur dioxide emissions at the summit craters were at a medium level during the week of 05 June to 11 June, subject to an increasing trend.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) increased significantly during the same period and moved towards a high level [1].
The online seismograms of station ECNE were only available again last week from 14.06. and showed only weak noise.
The tremor moved at a medium level last week and was subject to a slightly increasing trend [2].
From 5 to 11 June, the source of the tremor was below the southeast crater at a depth between 2500 and 2800 m [1].
On 15.06. an earthquake of magnitude 1.7 occurred southwest of Rifugio Citelli (east/northeast flank). On 16.06. an earthquake of magnitude 2.5 was registered near Santa Venerina (east flank) [3].
My interpretation of the data and speculation about further developments:
The increase in the inflation of the volcano edifice, as well as the increased emissions of carbon dioxide, indicate that more magma is rising in the mountain at the moment. The tremor has also increased slightly, which indicates that magma is in motion. Presumably, these are moderate amounts that can probably be stored in the mountain for the time being. Sooner or later, however, there will probably be another eruption. But it is difficult to say when this will be the case. The character of the eruptive activity cannot be predicted either. It is possible that the magma that is now rising will first degas slowly and then, in a few months, there will be an effusive and prolonged eruption, as in November 2022. However, if there is a larger amount of fresh magma, there may also be strombolian and effusive activity at the Southeast Crater complex. However, it is also possible that, as in May, a paroxysmal episode suddenly occurs at the Southeast Crater complex, resulting in a brief but very explosive eruption. At the moment, however, nothing points to an imminent eruption. In any case, the mountain is always good for a surprise!
1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023.Etna - Bollettino settimanale, 05/06/2023 - 11/06/2023
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, 09.06.2023
Last week, Mt Etna remained calm, but there was another intense series of earthquakes. This occurred on the western flank of the mountain.
Bad weather with lots of clouds hampered the observation of the summit craters via webcams almost constantly during the past week. During the few cloud-free moments I could see the usual gas emissions, which were again most intense at Voragine. At the Southeast Crater complex, most of the gas was released from the eastern to northern summit area of New Southeast Crater. Enhanced by the high humidity and the heat of the still hot material from the last paroxysm, a lot of steam was also emitted there. Only little gas was released at Voragine and Northeast Crater.
The evaluation of the data from the GPS stations did not reveal any particular anomalies for the period 29.05. to 04.06. [1].
The signals of the clinometric stations showed no significant deviations in the period from 29.05. to 04.06. [1].
The measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters was occasionally disturbed by strong winds in the period from 29 May to 4 June. Otherwise, the activity was similar to the previous week with a decreasing trend of events. The amplitude of the events was low. The source of the activity was mainly Bocca Nuova/Voragine. The southeast crater, on the other hand, played a subordinate role [1].
The sulphur dioxide emissions at the summit craters were at a medium level in the week from 29 May to 04 June and were subject to a decreasing trend.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) decreased slightly during the same period and remained at a medium level [1].
The online seismograms of station ECNE were not available last week.
The tremor was at a medium level during the past week and was subject to only minor fluctuations [2].
On 04.06. a pronounced series of earthquakes occurred in the area of Monte Lepre (western flank). The strongest tremors reached magnitudes of 2.5 to 2.8. The quakes occurred at depths between 17 and 26 km [3].
1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023.Etna - Bollettino settimanale, 29/05/2023 - 04/06/2023
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, 02.06.2023
The weather at Mt Etna continued to be rather unsettled with many clouds and thunderstorms, which often hindered the observation of the summit craters via webcams during the last week. However, there were also clear periods, especially in the morning and evening hours. During my observations, I could no longer see any glow above Bocca Nuova. During the day, the usual intense and pulsating gas emission was observed. At the Southeast Crater complex, glow was temporarily visible in the early morning of 27 May. However, due to a cap of clouds it was only dimly visible and seemed to emanate from the northeastern summit area of New Southeast Crater. During the following nights I could not observe any more glow. During the day, gas and a lot of white steam rose both inside the large breach and in the entire summit area of New Southeast Crater. Due to high humidity, these emissions appeared quite imposing at times. I did not observe any significant gas emissions from Voragine and Northeast Crater.
The evaluation of the data from the GPS stations showed no significant deviations for the period between 22 and 28 May [1].
The signals from the Casa Bada clinometric station showed a deformation (inflation) of up to 2 microradians in connection with an earthquake that occurred in the Valle del Bove on 28 May and reached a magnitude of 4 [1].
The measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters showed an increased number of events between 22 and 24 May. The source of the activity was the area of Bocca Nuova/Voragine. The southeast crater, on the other hand, played only a subordinate role. On the following days, strong winds hindered the measurements [1].
Sulphur dioxide emissions at the summit craters were at medium levels in the week from 22 to 28 May. Peak emission rates also reached high levels.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) continued to increase during the same period and were at medium levels [1].
The online seismograms of the ECNE station showed only very small and sporadic signals last week [2].
The tremor fluctuated between low and medium levels last week, then increased somewhat and stabilised at medium levels in the last few days [2].
The source of the tremor was located in the period from 22 to 28 May between the Central Crater and Bocca Nuova and fluctuated at an altitude between 1500 m and 2900 m above sea level. Towards the end of the measurement period, the source of the tremor shifted slightly eastwards to the eastern base of New Southeast Crater [1].
On 28.05. a pronounced series of earthquakes occurred on the eastern flank, in the greater Valle del Bove area (Monte Centenari - Monte Scorsone - Rifugio Citelli). The strongest tremor had a magnitude of 4.0. Several other quakes reached magnitudes of just over 2. The quakes occurred at a depth of approx. 4 - 6 km [3].
My interpretation of the data and speculations about further developments:
The striking series of earthquakes on 28 May was most likely caused by the rise of magma, as there was a slight change in the slope at the same time as the quakes. The still high measured values of soil carbon dioxide and the increased emission rates of sulphur dioxide at the summit craters also indicate that a batch of fresh magma has apparently arrived. It is therefore only a matter of time before new eruptive activity occurs on Etna. This could again lead to a paroxysm at the southeast crater complex, but longer-lasting strombolian and/or effusive activity are also possible. Most recently, the source of the tremor in the area of the eastern base of the New Southeast Crater had advanced relatively far to the surface. Could this area become the scene of new activity? Unfortunately, it is still very difficult to make forecasts and the old lady does what she wants anyway.
1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023.Etna - Bollettino settimanale, 22/05/2023 - 28/05/2023
2 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
3 - INGV. Osservatorio Etneo. Sorveglianza e Monitoraggio. DATABASE TERREMOTI. Localizzazioni di sala operativa. 2023.
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
