High energy explosion followed by lava flow at Stromboli volcano, Italy
The INGV-Etneo Observatory reported a sequence of volcanic events on Stromboli within an hour on Sunday, October 6, 2024, starting with a high-energy explosion from the North crater at 00:17 UTC. This eruption triggered a lava flow along the Sciara del Fuoco, with ongoing spattering activity observed as of Sunday morning.
Lava flow detected at Stromboli on October 6, 2024. Image credit: INGV
Stromboli, an active volcano located in the Aeolian Islands of Italy, experienced a series of eruptions early on October 6.
The INGV-Ethneo Observatory reported that the volcanic activity began at 00:17 UTC with a major explosion originating from the North crater. Surveillance cameras captured the event, showing material falling along the Sciara del Fuoco, a steep slope formed by previous lava flows.
The explosion triggered a significant seismic signal that was recorded across all monitoring stations on the island.
According to the observatory, the explosion was part of a sequence of events that caused high-energy seismic activity. The average magnitude of the tremor initially surged to a very high level before gradually decreasing to a high level after the event.
In terms of ground deformations, no significant changes were observed in the GNSS network, though the clinometric station (TDF) was being upgraded at the time of the eruption.
Approximately an hour later, the observatory reported further volcanic activity. A spattering event, which began in the North crater following the major explosion, intensified and evolved into sustained lava flow along the Sciara del Fuoco.
The lava flow, which initially remained confined to the upper part of the Sciara, was accompanied by a gradual reduction in the volcanic tremor magnitude, which returned to a medium level.
The magnitude of explosion-related earthquakes also dropped to a low level during this phase. No additional ground deformation was detected during this period.
By the early hours of the morning, the observatory confirmed that the lava effusion from the North crater had ceased, though spattering activity continued intermittently with varying intensity.
References:
1 COMUNICATO STROMBOLI – INGV – Released at 01:32 UTC on October 6, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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