EtnaUpdater @EtnaUpdater@qoto.org

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

Etna update, 10/03/2023

In the last week, most of the gas continued to be released at Mt Etna's Bocca Nuova. At times, gas emissions were intensified in a pulse-like manner. At the Southeast Crater complex, fumaroles persistently released gas along the inner walls of the crater located between Old and New Southeast Craters. Gas and steam were also persistently emitted along the upper northern summit area of New Southeast Crater. There, light sensitive webcams also continued to show some pulsating glow, likely generated by rising heat.
At Voragine and Northeast Crater, I still could not detect any significant gas emissions.

Analysis of the GPS station data showed no significant changes for the period between 20 February and 05 March [1, 2].
Clinometric data showed no significant changes in the slope of the volcano building between 20 Feb and 05 March [1, 2].

Due to strong winds, the measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters was so much affected in the period between 20 Feb and 05 March that no reliable data could be obtained [1, 2].

Sulfur dioxide emissions at the summit craters remained unchanged in the period between 20.02. and 05.03. compared to the previous week and were at medium levels.
Soil carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) hovered around the border between low and medium levels between 20.02. and 05.03. [1, 2].
The concentration of helium isotopes (3He/4He - ratio) in the Etna area, last determined on 22 February, was slightly lower than the last measurement, with a value of 0.61. The measured value continues to be at a high level [1].

Online seismograms from the ECNE station showed only sporadic, weak signals between February 25 and March 10.
The tremor decreased somewhat on 26 February and has since been subject to a slightly increasing trend. Currently, it is at a medium level [3].

On 26.02. an earthquake of magnitude 1.5 was registered at Zafferana (southeast flank). On 28.02. an earthquake of the same magnitude occurred there. On 28.02. two quakes occurred at Monte Fontane (eastern flank) reaching magnitudes of 3.2 and 1.8, respectively. On March 01, two earthquakes with magnitudes of 2.2 and 2.3 occurred in the area northwest of Adrano and southwest of Bronte (western flank), respectively. On March 01, an earthquake of magnitude 1.7 was measured at Monte Palestra (western flank). On 01.03. a small series of earthquakes occurred in the area north of Monte Collabasso (northern flank). The strongest quake reached a magnitude of 1.6 [4].

1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - BOLLETTINO SETTIMANALE - SETTIMANA DI RIFERIMENTO 20/02/2023 - 26/02/2023
2 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - BOLLETTINO SETTIMANALE - SETTIMANA DI RIFERIMENTO 27/02/2023 - 05/03/2023
3 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Home. TREMORE VULCANICO. ECNE
4 - INGV. Osservatorio Etneo. Sorveglianza e Monitoraggio. DATABASE TERREMOTI. Localizzazioni di sala operativa. 2023.

#Etna #volcano

Etna update, 24/02/2023

During the last week, Mt Etna remained quiet with the usual gas emissions from the summit craters. Seismic activity was low, but tremors remained elevated.

During the past week, gas emissions from Etna's summit craters continued to be concentrated at Bocca Nuova. They appeared relatively intense and were pulse enhanced. However, I could no longer detect any glow above the summit crater. At the Southeast Crater Complex, gas was emitted persistently from the crater between the old and new southeast craters. This made it's way to the surface mainly from fumaroles located along the inner crater walls. Gas was also persistently emitted from the summit area of New Southeast Crater. Light sensitive webcams showed faint glow just below the northern crater rim, where many fumaroles and a small vent from the May/June 2022 eruption are located.
At Voragine and Northeast Crater, on the other hand, I continued to observe virtually no gas releases.

Analysis of the GPS station data showed no significant changes for the period between 13 and 19 February [1].
Clinometric data showed no significant changes in the slope of the volcanic edifice between February 13 and 19 [1].

Measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters showed only a small number of events for the period from February 13 to 19 [1].

Sulfur dioxide emissions at the summit craters remained unchanged from the previous week during the period between Feb. 13 and Feb. 19 and were at intermediate levels.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) hovered just above the boundary between low and medium levels between Feb. 13 and Feb. 19 [1].

Online seismograms from station ECNE showed only isolated weak signals during the past week.
The tremor was on the border between low and medium level during the past week [2].

On 23.02. an earthquake of magnitude 1.5 was registered south of Monte San Leo (southern flank) [3]

1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - BOLLETTINO SETTIMANALE - SETTIMANA DI RIFERIMENTO 13/02/2023 - 19/02/2023
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

Today my time travel on #throwbackthursday goes back to June 2008. I am on the island of Vulcano on the terrace of the Hotel Eolien and enjoy the sunset over the bay of Porto Ponente with antipasti and white wine. Simply dreamlike!

#aeolian #vulcano #photo

Etna update, 17/02/2023

During the past week, Mt Etna remained relatively quiet, with the usual gas releases from Bocca Nuova and the Southeast Crater complex. Deep-seated explosions probably occurred in Bocca Nuova. The tremor still remained somewhat elevated. Seismic activity, however, was low.

Last week, initially very bad weather with large amounts of snow and storms prevented the observation of Etna by webcams. Even after an improvement in the weather from 14 February, many cameras were still down. The available webcams showed that lava was still not being produced at the New Southeast Crater. There was continued emission of gas and steam in the summit area of the cone. During the nights, faint glow smoke was visible just below the northern rim of the crater. A fumarole field is located here, as well as fractures and a former vent that was active during the May/June 2022 eruption.
Otherwise, Bocca Nuova continued to release gas vigorously and in pulses. During the night of 16 February, faint glow was sporadically visible above the summit crater by means of light-sensitive webcams. Last night, the glow intensified and became more frequent. Probably deep-seated explosions occurred. I was still unable to detect any significant gas emission from the northeast crater and Voragine.

The evaluation of the data from the GPS stations showed no significant changes for the period between 06 and 12 February [1].
The clinometric data did not show any significant changes in the slope of the volcano building between 06 and 12 February [1].

The measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters was strongly disturbed by very bad weather in the period from 06 to 12 February. Overall, there was a slight decrease in infrasound activity. The source of the events was Bocca Nuova [1].

Sulphur dioxide emissions at the summit craters increased somewhat in the period between 06.02. and 12.02. and were at a medium level.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) increased slightly between 06.02. and 12.02. and reached near-medium levels [1].

The online seismograms of station ECNE showed only single weak signals last week, after initial interruption due to bad weather [2].
The tremor fluctuated on the border between low and medium level during the past week [2].

On 13.02., a quake of magnitude 1.9 was measured south of Monte San Leo (southern flank) [3].

My interpretation of the data and speculations about the further development:
So now the effusive activity at the northeastern base of New Southeast Crater, which started at the end of November 2022, has come to an end again. This was already indicated from mid-January, when the production rate began to show greater fluctuations. A total of about 6 million m3 of lava was produced, which is a relatively small amount in comparison. Analyses of the lava produced in December showed that it was more highly developed material, which was also evident from the low explosive activity. The magma had probably been stored in the mountain for some time and was able to degas via the summit craters. Then it found an outlet at the end of November and an eruption occurred. Probably also because the mountain slowly expanded due to the rising magma and probably more magma rose than could be stored within the volcanic structure. The still high readings for the helium 4 isotope show, in my opinion, that there is still plenty of fresh magma flowing in under the mountain. A small part of it will probably continue to rise in the mountain and sooner or later lead to new eruptive activity. It is not yet possible to say what this will look like. It is quite possible that the quiet eruptive activity of last winter will be repeated in a few months. However, if more gas is involved or if this has no possibility of degassing, there may also be strombolian explosions at the Southeast Crater complex. A new phase of paroxysmal eruptions cannot be completely ruled out either. So let's just be surprised what the old lady has in store for us this time!

1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - BOLLETTINO SETTIMANALE - SETTIMANA DI RIFERIMENTO 06/02/2023 - 12/02/2023
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 #eruption #volcano #lava

Photo by INGV Catania

Etna update, 10/02/2023

Effusive activity at the northeastern base of Mt Etna's New Southeast Crater ended last week. However, the tremor has weakened only slightly and seismic activity has increased somewhat.

On 04 February, the effusive vent at the northeast base of New Southeast Crater continued to feed a lava flow. This moved northward through the Valle del Leone. On the evening of 04 February, a partial flow began to descend the steep western slope of Valle del Bove. During the night of 05 February, its front descended to an altitude of about 2300 m and moved in the area southwest of Monte Simone. In the morning of 05 February, the partial flow did not seem well fed and began to retreat. Bad weather hindered further observation until 06 February. Then, in the morning of 06 February, the entire lava field was inactive. The same picture was seen on the following days, with observations increasingly hindered by clouds and fresh snow.
At New Southeast Crater, the northern summit area showed weak pulsating glow during the nights until 05 February, apparently caused by deep-seated explosions. Gas and steam were also persistently emitted from the summit area of New Southeast Crater.
At Bocca Nuova, strong and often pulsating gas emission continued. At the other summit craters, only weak gas emissions occured.

As reported by INGV, a volume of 4.8 to 6.1 million m3 of lava was emitted by February 03. This occupied an area of about 960,000 m2 [1].

Analysis of the data from the GPS stations showed no significant changes for the period between 30 January and 05 February, but the trend toward slight deflation of the volcanic edifice that began in mid-December continued [1].
Clinometric data showed no significant changes in the slopes of the volcanic edifice between January 30 and February 05 [1].

The measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters showed an increase in events between 30 Jan - 05 Feb compared to the previous week. However, the measurements were at times affected by strong winds. The source of the activity was Bocca Nuova and Southeast Crater [1].

Sulfur dioxide emissions at the summit craters increased somewhat during the period between 30 Jan and 05 Feb and were at intermediate levels.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (ETNAGAS station) fluctuated at low levels between 30 Jan and 05 Feb.
The concentration of helium isotopes (3He/4He - ratio) in the Etna area, last determined on 03 Feb, was comparable to the last measurements with a value of 0.63. The measured value was on a high level [1].

On the online seismograms of station ECNE, weak long-period signals were visible every few minutes during the past week.
The tremor decreased slightly on 04 February and since then has been just above the boundary between low and medium levels [2].
As reported by INGV, the source of the tremor in the period between 30.01. and 05.02. was at about 2000 - 2800 m altitude in the area below the central crater [1].

On 05.02. a small series of earthquakes occurred in the area northwest of Adrano (western flank). The strongest tremors reached magnitudes of 2.5 and 3.7, respectively, and occurred at depths between 12 and 15 km. On 06.02. an earthquake of magnitude 1.6 was recorded near Biancavilla (southern flank) [3].

1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - BOLLETTINO SETTIMANALE - SETTIMANA DI RIFERIMENTO 30/01/2023 - 05/02/2023
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 #eruption #volcano #lava

Today, my time travel on #throwbackthursday takes me back to 2008, to a holiday I spent on the Aeolian Islands, north of Sicily. The photo shows the crater "Grand Cratere" on the island of Vulcano. In the background you can see the northern part of the island with the cone of Vulcanello. Behind it are the islands of Lipari and Salina.

#aeolian #vulcano #lipari #salina #volcano #photo

Etna update, 03/02/2023

Last week, the effusive vent at the northeast base of Mt Etna's New Southeast Crater continued to release lava. However, the flowrate fluctuated significantly.
On 28.01., the front of the lava flow initially stagnated at about 2300 m altitude. On 29.01. it retreated to the rim of Valle del Bove at about 2500 m, but during the day a new partial flow developed, which now took a slightly more southerly course. On January 30, the southern branch descended a few hundred meters down the escarpment of Valle del Bove, and the northern branch also became better fed. On January 31, the flows stagnated or retreated again. On the other hand, the southern stream was well fed on 01 February and widened significantly. During the night of February 02, the lava flow decreased significantly and during the day practically no strong thermal anomalies were visible. Towards evening, however, a new surge of lava set off again. Today, the new lava flow continued to move slowly northward through the Valle del Leone.
Meanwhile, in the summit area of the New Southeast Crater, gas was emitted persistently, but in contrast to the previous week, only few ash was visible. Instead, pulsating glow was visible in the upper northern section of the cone during the nights on light sensitive webcams. Presumably, the escaping steam was illuminated from below, from the depth of the vent. Whether this was caused by deep-seated explosions or simply by heat remained unclear.
During last week Bocca Nuova released the most gas of the summit craters. Again, the emissions were pulse-like enhanced and at least once a gas ring was observed. At Voragine and Northeast Crater only weak gas emission was visible.

As reported by INGV, a volume of 4.4 to 5.6 million m3 of lava was emitted by January 29. This occupied an area of about 880,000 m2 [1].

The analysis of the data from the GPS stations showed no significant changes for the period between January 23 and 29. However, the slight deflation already observed in recent weeks continued [1].
Clinometric data showed no significant changes between January 23 and 29 [1].

The measurement of infrasound activity at the summit craters in the period between January 23 and 29 showed a low number of events. However, there was a slight increase in explosive activity in the last days. The source of the events was the Bocca Nuova [1].

Sulfur dioxide emissions at the summit craters were at intermediate levels during the period between 23 and 29 January.
Ground carbon dioxide emissions (station ETNAGAS) decreased slightly between 23 and 29 Jan, reaching low levels [1].

Weak long-period signals were occasionally visible on the online seismograms of station ECNE during the past week [2].
The tremor fluctuated in the lower range of the mean level during the last week and was subject to a slight increasing trend during the last days [2].
As reported by INGV, the source of the tremor in the period between 23 and 29 January was at about 2400 - 2800 m altitude in the area below Southeast Crater [1].

On 28.01. an earthquake of magnitude 1.7 was registered at Pizzi Deneri (northeast flank). On 02.02. an earthquake of magnitude 2.0 occurred at Pozzillo (eastern flank) [3].

1 - INGV-Sezione di Catania. 2023. Etna - BOLLETTINO SETTIMANALE - SETTIMANA DI RIFERIMENTO 23/01/2023 - 29/01/2023
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 #eruption #volcano #lava