Powerful paroxysmal eruption at Etna, Aviation Color Code raised to Red, Italy

Strombolian activity at Italy’s Etna volcano increased during the night of August 3 to 4, 2024, evolving into strong lava fountaining by 03:20 UTC on August 4. In response, the Aviation Color Code was raised from Orange to Red at 02:45 UTC, indicating a higher level of volcanic threat to air travel. The last significant eruption at Etna occurred on July 23.

The current eruption is centered at the Voragine crater, producing strong ash emissions toward SE and ESE.

Seismically, the average magnitude of the volcanic tremor, which had already reached very high levels around 02:30 UTC, has increased further.

Infrasonic activity has also surged, with very high values recorded. These infrasonic events are located at the Voragine crater and indicate significant expansions.

The Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange at 02:45 UTC. According to Etna Observatory, the volcanic ash cloud was reaching a height of about 10 km (32 800 feet) above sea level at 03:42 UTC.

Ground deformation monitoring systems have detected slight changes around the volcano. The tilt network recorded a measurable change of about 0.10 milliradians in both directions at the PDN station, indicating minor ground shifts. Similarly, the DRUV strain station noted a variation of approximately 10 nanostrains, showing small deformations in the Earth’s crust. However, the GNSS data, which tracks ground movement using satellites, showed no significant changes.

As a result of this morning’s volcanic activity, the crisis unit at Catania Airport has ordered the closure of sector B1 and the reduction of arrivals to six flights per hour. Passengers are requested to check the status of their flight with the airline if necessary.

References:

¹ Etna volcano updates – INGV-OE – August 4, 2024

Teo Blašković

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.

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