Support global hazard monitoring — Join 113 supporters
Go ad-free
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
|

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

powerful-eruption-of-mount-etna-tall-lava-fountains-and-lava-flows-19th-paroxysm

Image credit: Turi Caggegi

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.

Source: INGV Sezione di Catania

I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.

One Comment

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *