Mt. Etna Eruption Sends Lava A Mile Excessive In a single day On Sicily

The newest eruption of Italy’s Mount Etna volcano on the island of Sicily has impressed even seasoned scientists.

“Amazingly tall (greater than 1500 m) lava fountains and spectacular ‘fountain fan’ throughout #Etna‘s violent paroxysm throughout the evening of 22-23 February 2021,” native volcanologist Boris Behncke from Italy’s nationwide Etna Observatory stated on Twitter.

For metric-illiterate Individuals like myself, 1,500 meters is simply shy of a mile.

Behncke described the highly effective eruption as one thing many veteran scientists “have not often seen.”

Whereas the volcano has been sending lava excessive within the sky, it’s additionally letting off a good quantity of sulfur dioxide within the area, as seen by satellites:

YouTubers on Sicily additionally captured the total paroxysm, which is volcanologist-speak for a brief burst of violent exercise.

Etna is probably the most energetic volcano in Europe and serves because the dramatic backdrop for the town of Catania, the place it erupts regularly.

For the report, eruptions have reportedly reached almost two miles excessive up to now, in accordance with Volcano Discovery.

Native officers say the eruptions, which got here not lengthy after another active period last week, aren’t trigger for concern.

Nonetheless, the volcanic exercise does have an effect on flights to the island and may depart a layer of ash overlaying many out of doors surfaces.

There have been no stories of accidents or main harm from the current eruptions.