Lava overflow, increase in volcanic tremor at Stromboli, Italy
An increase in volcanic tremor accompanied by lava overflow from the North crater area has been observed at Stromboli volcano on February 28, 2025. The activity includes a modest lava fountain at vent N2, with the lava flow confined to the upper portion of the Sciara del Fuoco.
Image credit: INGV
Stromboli surveillance cameras detected a lava overflow from the North crater area at 13:07 UTC, accompanied by a modest lava fountaining at N2 vent. The lava flow is currently confined to the upper portion of the Sciara del Fuoco, a steep depression on the volcano’s northwestern flank, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
Seismic monitoring has recorded a rapid increase in the average amplitude of volcanic tremors since approximately 11:30 UTC, rising from low to very high levels within less than an hour. Despite this, no variations have been observed in the frequency or intensity of explosion earthquakes. Data from the permanent GPS deformation network also show no notable ground deformation.
The Aviation Color Code remains at Orange. There is currently no ash cloud associated with the eruption, and visual and thermal surveillance cameras continue to monitor the situation.
Stromboli is known for its persistent Strombolian eruptions, characterized by frequent, small-to-moderate explosive bursts ejecting lava, gas, and pyroclastic material. The mild explosive events have occurred continuously for at least 2 000 years.
The Sciara del Fuoco, a prominent geological feature, formed approximately 5 000 years ago because of slope failures and serves as a natural conduit for volcanic material to reach the sea.
Previous major eruptions have demonstrated Stromboli’s potential for sudden and hazardous activity. The eruption on September 11, 1930, generated pyroclastic flows and caused damage to local settlements. More recently, on July 3, 2019, a violent explosive event led to the death of a hiker and ignited widespread fires on the island.
References:
1 Stromboli volcanic activity reports – INGV – February 28, 2025
2 Stromboli VONA – INGV – February 28, 2025
3 Stromboli – GVP – Accessed on February 28, 2025
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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