Lava from Stromboli’s North Crater flows down to coastline, Italy

Increased volcanic activity continued at Stromboli’s North Crater this week, with intensified spattering observed starting at 17:55 UTC on November 6. 

This activity caused lava overflow that formed a steady lava flow down the Sciara del Fuoco, a prominent volcanic slope on the island’s northwest side, and reached the coastline. 

The INGV’s analysis of surveillance camera footage showed incandescent material rolling down the slope to the sea, as well as sustained high levels of volcanic tremor starting around 16:45 UTC.

This activity has continued into the morning of November 8. INGV’s latest communication, issued at 08:15 UTC on November 8, confirmed the ongoing activity, with no significant changes in ground deformation detected over the last 12 hours.

Thermal cameras show that lava continues to stream from the vent and flow around the crater’s outer slope. Daily measurements revealed substantial CO₂ emissions of 1 004 tons and sound pressures of up to 1.5 bars from certain explosions. 

Additionally, 12 VLP (Very Long Period) quakes were detected per hour, and the tremor amplitude was in the moderate yellow range. These indicators suggest a high level of volcanic activity, though no major changes in the eruption’s frequency or magnitude were observed.

However, GNSS and clinometric networks show that ground deformation has remained steady, indicating no major pressure buildup within the magma chamber.

Stromboli’s current activity reflects its status as one of the most active volcanoes in the world, characterized by continuous Strombolian eruptions for over a thousand years. 

These eruptions are driven by the subduction of the African tectonic plate beneath the Eurasian plate, creating pressures that lead to regular volcanic activity in the region. 

This tectonic setting not only fuels Stromboli’s eruptions but also affects nearby volcanoes such as Mount Etna and the other islands of the Aeolian Archipelago.

Stromboli, nicknamed the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” is known for its stunning incandescent eruptions, which are especially noticeable at night. 

It is located in the northeastern Aeolian Islands and is known for its ongoing mild explosive activity. 

This stratovolcano is part of a subduction zone and rises to 924 m (3 031 feet) above sea level. It is mostly composed of trachyandesite and basaltic andesite, with minor amounts of trachyte and tephrite, demonstrating its complicated volcanic nature.

Stromboli’s structure reflects its extensive geological history. The volcano grew during two distinct eruptive episodes, the most recent of which constructed the western section of the island. 

Stromboli has maintained its distinctive mild eruptions for over a thousand years, with continual explosions and occasional lava flows, making it a long-standing natural spectacle as well as a key geological element of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aeolian Islands.

This active volcanic island also sustains a nearby population, with over 2 000 residents within 5 km (3 miles), and a larger regional population of over one million within a 100 km (62 miles) radius.

References:

¹ COMUNICATO STROMBOLI – INGV – November 6, 2024

² COMUNICATO STROMBOLI – INGV – November 8, 2024

³ Stromboli generates lava flow on 07.11.24 – Vulkane NET Newsblog – November 7, 2024

⁴ Stromboli geological summary – GVP – Accessed November 8, 2024

Harsha Borah

Harsha Borah is an experienced content writer with a proven track record in the industry. Harsha has worked with LitSpark Solutions and Whateveryourdose, honing skills in creating engaging content across various platforms. A gold medalist in a state-level writing competition organized by Assam Tourism, Harsha’s travelogue on Tezpur was widely appreciated. Harsha’s article, "The Dark Tale of the Only Judge in India to Be Hanged," ranks second on Google and has garnered over 11 000 views and 8 900 reads on Medium. Outside of writing, Harsha enjoys reading books and solving jigsaw puzzles.

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