Powerful eruption of Mount Etna – tall lava fountains and lava flows – 19th paroxysm

Since the late afternoon of December 2, 2013, vigorous strombolian activity was taking place at Etna's New Southeast Crater. This activity was accompanied by a gradual increase in the volcanic tremor amplitude. A dilute eruptive plume composed mostly of volcanic gas was seen rising from the volcano and was blown by the wind toward the northern sector of the volcano.

Activity intensified during the evening and culminated in a new paroxysmal eruptive episode (#19), which was essentially over by 22:30 UTC. This event produced tall lava fountains (several hundreds of meters high), lava flows, and an eruption column charged with pyroclastic material, which was blown by the wind toward north-northwest, causing ash and lapilli falls in the area of Bronte. 

Video courtesy: Turi Caggegi​

Several lava flows were emitted toward south-southeast, southeast, northeast, and south. 

The flow descending southeastward has reached the base of the western headwall of the Valle del Bove.

• Do not miss this powerful images of latest Etna eruption taken by Boris Behncke.

Source: INGV Sezione di Catania

Featured image credit: Turi Caggegi