EtnaUpdater @EtnaUpdater@qoto.org

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.

#Etna #volcano #eruption

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.

#Etna #volcano #eruption

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.

#VolcanoMonday #photomonday #Fotomontag #photo

#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.

#VolcanoMonday #photomonday #Fotomontag #photo

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

#Etna #volcano

Webcam photo by INGV - Piedimonte Etneo cam (NE flank).

Etna update, 05/05/2023

Bad weather with many clouds and fresh snow often hindered the observation of the summit craters by webcams during the last days. In the days before or during the cloud-free hours, it became apparent that the most gas continued to be emitted at Bocca Nuova. Emissions were also frequently pulse enhanced. At the Southeast Crater complex, fumaroles along the walls in the upper part of the fracture (large breach), released gas persistently. Gas or white steam was also persistently emitted along fractures on the upper north flank of New Southeast Crater. During the nights, light-sensitive webcams showed a small glowing spot in this area. Beginning on April 23, white steam was also emitted more frequently on the upper northeastern flank of New Southeast Crater, in an area just north of the east flank breach. In the following nights, another glowing spot was then visible here. Presumably, a new fracture had formed in this area, releasing heat and steam. Steam was also released there persistently on subsequent days. At Voragine and Northeast Crater I could still not detect any significant gas emission.

Analysis of the GPS station data showed no significant changes for the month of April [1].
Clinometric data showed no significant changes in the slope of the volcanic edifice in April [1].

The measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters showed a low number of events in April. The amplitude of the events was at low to medium-low levels [1].

Sulfur dioxide emissions at the summit craters were at medium levels in April. They declined during the month after peaking in early April.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) fluctuated at low levels in April [1].
The concentration of helium isotopes (3He/4He - ratio) in the Etna area, last determined on 04 April, was slightly higher than in the last measurements with a value of 0.61. The measured value reached high level [1].

The online seismograms of the ECNE station showed occasional, weak long-period signals during the last two weeks. In the last days, their frequency increased somewhat [2].
The tremor initially hovered just above the low-mid level boundary during the last 14 days, but then gradually increased and is now hovering at higher-mid level [2].
In April, the source of the tremor was located between Bocca Nuova and Southeast Crater complex at an altitude of 1500 - 2900 m [1].

On 28.04. an earthquake of magnitude 2.0 was registered northwest of Monte Maletto (northwest flank). On 01.05. an earthquake of magnitude 1.6 occurred southeast of Zafferana Etnea (southeast flank). On 03.05. an earthquake of magnitude 1.6 was registered west of Monte Intraleo (west flank). Between 04.05. and 05.05. several earthquakes were recorded at Monte Centenari (eastern flank). The strongest quake had a magnitude of 2.1 [3].

1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - BOLLETTINO MENSILE MESE DI RIFERIMENTO APRILE 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 #volcano

#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.

#VolcanoMonday #photomonday #Fotomontag #photo #aeolian

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.

#VolcanoMonday #Photomonday #Photo #Etna

Etna update, 21/04/2023

Mt Etna's resting phase also continued during the last two weeks. Seismic activity was slightly elevated and tremor increased somewhat.

During the past 14 days, clouds and fresh snow frequently hindered observation of the summit craters by webcams. During the cloud-free hours, the usual gas emissions appeared. These continued to be concentrated at Bocca Nuova, where there was strong and mostly pulse-like enhanced gas emission. At the Southeast Crater complex, gas and steam were emitted persistently from the area of the central crater or the upper section of the large breach, between the old and new Southeast Craters. Fractures or fumaroles also persistently emitted gas and white steam from the upper northern flank of New Southeast Crater. During the nights, light-intensive webcams also sometimes showed a glowing spot there.
At Northeast Crater and Voragine, on the other hand, I continued to observe hardly any gas emission.

The online seismograms of the ECNE station showed only sporadic, weak signals during the last 14 days. Many of the signals resembled explosion signals.
The tremor fluctuated along the boundary between low and medium levels and was recently subject to a slightly increasing trend [1].

Between 08.04. and 12.04. a series of weak earthquakes occurred in the area west of Monte Fontane (eastern flank), the strongest reaching a magnitude of 1.7. From 16.04. to 17.04. several weak quakes occurred at shallow depths in the area west of Piano Pernicana and east of Monte Nero (northeast flank), respectively. The strongest had a magnitude of 2.4. On 21.04. an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 was recorded southeast of Aci Castello (under the sea southeast of Etna). Several much weaker aftershocks followed [2].

1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
2 - INGV. Osservatorio Etneo. Sorveglianza e Monitoraggio. DATABASE TERREMOTI. Localizzazioni di sala operativa. 2023.

#Etna #volcano

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.

#VolcanoMonday #Photomonday #Fotomontag #Photo #Etna

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.

#VolcanoMonday #Photomonday #Fotomontag #Photo #costarica

Etna update, 07/04/2023

During the past 14 days, gas emissions at Mt Etna continued to be concentrated at Bocca Nuova. Gas releases there were frequently intensified in a pulse-like manner. At the Southeast Crater complex, gas was persistently emitted from the central crater between Old and New Southeast Crater, as well as along the inner walls of the great breach. Gas also rose persistently from the northern summit area of New Southeast Crater. Very weak gas emissions occurred at Voragine and Northeast Crater.

As reported by INGV, in March the two vents on the crater floor of Bocca Nuova released gas persistently and in pulses. Sometimes gas rings were produced. Occasionally, thundering sounds were also heard. At the Southeast Crater complex, fumaroles released gas along the walls in the upper part of the fracture (large breach) created on 10.02.2022. Voragine and Northeast Crater continued to be blocked in March and showed only minor gas emissions [1].

Analysis of the data from GPS stations showed no significant changes for the month of March [1].
Clinometric data showed no significant changes in the slope of the volcanic edifice in March [1].

Due to strong winds, the measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters was severely affected during the first half of March. Subsequently, low activity was recorded, with the intensity of the signals at low to slightly elevated levels. The source of the infrasound activity was Bocca Nuova [1].

Sulfur dioxide emissions at the summit craters were at intermediate levels in March and were subject to a sustained increasing trend.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) increased significantly in March and reached intermediate levels.
The concentration of helium isotopes (3He/4He - ratio) in the Etna area, last determined on March 14, was slightly lower than in the last measurements, with a value of 0.58. The measured value was at a high average level [1].

Online seismograms from the ECNE station showed sporadic, weak LP-signals during the last two weeks [2].
The tremor was at a medium level until 04 April, but then decreased significantly and is now at a low level [2].
In March, the source of the tremor was located between Bocca Nuova and Southeast Crater complex at an altitude of 1500 - 2500 m [1].

From 26.03. - 28.03. a pronounced series of weak earthquakes occurred in the area west of Solicchiata (northern flank), the strongest having a magnitude of 2.8. The quakes occurred at depths of 7 - 12 km. On 30.03. an earthquake of magnitude 1.7 was registered southwest of Bronte (western flank). On 04.04. an earthquake with a magnitude of 1.7 occurred in the area of the central crater [3].

1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - BOLLETTINO MENSILE MESE DI RIFERIMENTO MARZO 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 #volcano

#LaPalma - #CanaryIslands 01/2004

View from the Cumbre Vieja to the Pico Bejenado and the Caldera de Taburiente.

#VolcanoMonday #photomonday #Fotomontag #photo

There is not much new to report from Mt Etna this week. There will be a detailed report from me again next Friday.

But I have discovered interesting, current and relatively high-resolution aerial photos of the summit craters on the bird page.
Here is the link...

https://twitter.com/etnawalk/status/1641392424206360580?s=20

#etna #volcano

Etna update, 24/03/2023

During the past 14 days, the usual gas emissions occurred at the summit craters of Mt Etna. These continued to be most vigorous at Bocca Nuova, with intermittent pulses. Some gas rings were also observed, as photos on social media showed. This could indicate deep-seated explosive activity at Bocca Nuova. At the southeast crater complex, some gas persistently rose from the central crater between the old and new southeast craters. In addition, some gas was persistently emitted from the northern summit area of New Southeast Crater. There are fractures and fumarole fields from which heat and gas are emitted. During the nights, light sensitive webcams also showed one or two glowing spots here. At Voragine and Northeast Crater only weak gas emission was visible.

Online seismograms from the ECNE station showed occasional weak signals over the past two weeks. Some of these may have been explosion signals.
The tremor increased slightly over the past 14 days and is at a medium level [1].

On 14.03. an earthquake of magnitude 2.0 occurred west of Monte Spagnolo (northwest flank). On 16.03. an earthquake of magnitude 1.6 was registered at Monte Arcimis (southeast flank). On 17.03. an earthquake of magnitude 1.6 occurred south of Adrano (southwest flank). On 17.03. two earthquakes with magnitudes of 3.1 and 2.4 respectively occurred near Randazzo (northwest flank) [2].

1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
2 - INGV. Osservatorio Etneo. Sorveglianza e Monitoraggio. DATABASE TERREMOTI. Localizzazioni di sala operativa. 2023.

#Etna #volcano

#Stromboli, June 2008

#VolcanoMonday #photomonday #Fotomontag #photo #aeolian