Mount Etna

Mount Etna rises 3,357 meters above the Ionian Sea on the island of Sicily, Italy. Its broad slopes cover about 1,200 square kilometers and host multiple summit craters and hundreds of cinder cones formed by flank eruptions. Etna's eruptions range from gentle effusive lava flows to explosive Strombolian fountains that shoot incandescent lava. Historic records document eruptions for more than 2,700 years, providing scientists with a continuous dataset to study magma plumbing and eruption styles.

The volcano sits at a tectonic crossroads where the African Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate and the Ionian microplate. Magma rises through faults to feed persistent degassing at the summit and frequent flank eruptions. Lava flows in 1669 engulfed parts of Catania's walls, while 1928 flows destroyed the town of Mascali. In the 21st century, eruptions regularly light up the night sky yet rarely cause major damage thanks to hazard mapping, diversion barriers, and early-warning systems run by Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).

Etna's rich volcanic soils support vineyards, citrus orchards, pistachio groves, and honey production across terraced slopes. The lower foothills host forests of chestnut, oak, and pine, while higher elevations transition to broom shrubs and bare lava fields. Etna Park protects endemic species such as the Etna violet and rare raptors. Ski resorts operate on the northern and southern flanks during winter, and hikers explore lava caves and recent flows in summer. UNESCO added Mount Etna to the World Heritage list in 2013 for its outstanding value to science.

Residents of nearby cities like Catania, Zafferana Etnea, and Nicolosi live with the volcano's rhythms. Civil protection teams maintain evacuation plans, install ash shelters on roofs, and clear roads when tephra storms blanket towns. Scientists use drones, thermal cameras, and satellite radar to measure lava temperatures, ground deformation, and gas emissions. Schools incorporate volcano science into curricula, and museums such as the INGV Visitor Center explain eruption history and emergency procedures.

Tourism focuses on guided jeep excursions to the Valle del Bove, cable-car rides to high-altitude craters, and tastings of Etna DOC wines. Astronomers host night-sky programs, as clear mountain air contrasts with glowing lava fountains. Visitors are reminded to respect safety zones, wear sturdy shoes, and bring warm layers and masks when ash is present. Responsible tourism supports local guides, farmers, and conservation projects that maintain trails and restore vegetation after eruptions.