Description of the volcanic event
The last eruption of Etna from the South East crater developed exactly 19 days after the previous eruptive phenomenon, an event that did not see the development of high lava fountains, but which has been characterized by a longer duration of the usually (compared to the phenomena of the same type) taking into consideration the prelude phase. The lava fountain activity (volcanic paroxysm) began at about 6:10 pm, and then ended at around 9:20 pm. The gravitative advancement flows are no longer powered, the lava flows have developed both south of the cone of the South East crater but also to the east inside the Bove valley, where they traveled a greater distance because of the highest slopes , lava flows do not arouse particular concerns and are located at a distance from both tourist structures and inhabited centers.
- The organization of excursions on the volcano within the summit area continues regularly, in accordance with the ordinances published by the respective mayors of the territories affected by the eruption.
The prelude phase
It should be noted that this eruptive event saw a precursor phase that led to the production of about 250 Strombolian events at more or less regular intervals (every 60 minutes) characterized by about 20 explosive events per day of short duration, which preceded the event of December 1, 2023.
Important details
- No problem for Catania airport, the ash instead reached and blocked (for a few hours) Reggio Calabria airport.
- The flows spread inside the Bove Valley and south of the cone of the South Crater -East in the direction of Monte Fortino Supino, stopping at medium -high altitudes, above 2600 meters.
- The column of ash, visible in the photo below, reached 6km in height causing (driven by the wind to the north east) the impact of ash and scores of centimeter size especially in the band between: Fornazzo, Sant’Alfio, Nunziata, Puntalazzo, Mascali e Montargano.
What rules do you follow to access the top of the Etna volcano?
If you want more details on the rules to follow to access the summit shares of the volcano, please visit the dedicated 👉🏻 page.
Article written by: Vincenzo Greco G.V.
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