Mount Etna has entered a new paroxysmal phase, as is usual for this perpetually active volcano, accustomed to “changing its attitude” from time to time. The episodes characterized by small explosions, with lively lava fountains from the South East crater, are repeated with a certain consistency. Unfortunately, the bad weather of the last few weeks has hidden the show from people’s eyes. However, volcanologists are always on the alert. And they follow the changes with a careful eye and always ready equipment.

A “Strombolian” Etna

Since mid-March, five episodes of “Strombolian activity”  have already been recorded at the South East crater of Etna. The latest in chronological order occurred on the night between April 2 and 3, and while we write these notes, the sixth is probably already “on its way”.

Like any self-respecting eruption of the South East Crater (SEC), these episodes were also accompanied by roars and emissions of ash, although the fallout was limited to the summit areas and the quantity was not excessive.

Strombolian activity, as the word itself says, recalls the eruptive style of the Stromboli volcano: rhythmic explosions, with very precise cadences, very noisy but with little lava emission.

The situation at the top

The situation at the top, after the last two years of eruptions, has totally changed. The Bocca Nuova and Centrale craters have been erased, Voragine crater (currently the highest peak) and the SEC dominate above all with some “intrusions” from the North East.

The SEC, born in the 1970s and divided into two vents during the early 2000s, has now returned to being a single crater but during the last eruption it showed several collapses. In fact, there were three (maybe even four) eruptive fractures from which the explosions of April 3 lit up the sky. All these vents, explains volcanologist Dr. Boris Behncke, were formed in the so-called “saddle line”, or the border between the old and new South Easts, which today acts as a glue instead.

At the same time, however, Voragine and the North East are also showing signs of restlessness. From Voragine, large clouds of ash are emitted from time to time. While the North East sends “vibrating” signals to the INGV instrumentation.

What shall we expect?

How to interpret these signals? What shall we expect in the coming months? Most likely, volcanologists explain, we will have an activity well concentrated on the summit of the volcano. It could continue like this for a long time or result in some big paroxysm.

The venting of the summit craters is positive, for Etna. And for its inhabitants, too. In fact, when the volcano manages to release a lot of energy from the main craters, it does not accumulate it underground and the risk of fault earthquakes and lateral eruptions decreases.

Perhaps, therefore, Mount Etna is preparing some summer tourist show, just to never deny its ability to “promote our territory”! However, nothing can be given for sure. With volcanoes in general, and with Etna in particular. Surprise could always come at the best moment! PHOTOS BY GRAZIA MUSUMECI