New lava vent opens between Etna’s Bocca Nuova and Southeast Crater, Italy
A new lava vent has opened between Bocca Nuova and Southeast Crater on Mount Etna, Italy, at an elevation of about 2 980 m (9 777 feet), producing a steady lava flow and explosive activity at Southeast Crater.
Mount Etna on August 14, 2025. Image credit: INGV
Field surveys on Thursday, August 14 confirmed that a new effusive vent has opened between Bocca Nuova and Southeast Crater at an estimated altitude of 2 980 m (9 777 feet) a.s.l., the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology – Etna Observatory (INGV) reported.
Although at a lower elevation, the current vent lies along the same structural alignment as eruptive vents that fueled effusive episodes in February-March and on August 10, located at approximately 3 100 m (10 171 feet) and 3 050 m (10 006 feet) a.s.l., respectively.
The lava flow is moderately supplied and advancing from the summit area, while explosive activity continues at Southeast Crater. Strombolian explosions are ejecting incandescent lava fragments into the crater rim and, at times, down the flanks of the cone.
Volcanic tremor is at medium levels with a rising trend, with sources located at about 3 000 m (9 843 feet) near Southeast Crater. Infrasonic activity remains moderate and is localized at Northeast Crater.
INGV reports no significant variations in ground deformation from GNSS, tiltmeter, or extensometer networks.
The new vent opened five days after the start of the current eruption on August 9. Its location and behavior are consistent with the subterminal effusive pattern observed earlier this year, suggesting a possible continuation of activity in the coming days.
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