Get our newsletter!
 
 Volcano Discoveries: "One of the most eye-catching guides to the world’s volcanoes ever published.  Volcano-Adventures: Our professional team of volcanologists and photographers offers unique travel opportunities: volcano expeditions, photo tours, and relaxed walking & study tours. Guaranteed tours:
: spaces available / : guaranteed / : few spaces left / : booked out
 Private tours on Etna volcano: Discover Europe's largest active volcano on private, guided 1-day tours. Tours can be customized for different interests and fitness levels. Random pictures
|
|
Mt Etna on Sicily, locally called "Mongibello", is Europe's largest and most active volcano. Its frequent eruptions are often accompanied by large lava flows, but rarely pose danger to inhabited areas. Etna is one of the volcanoes with the longest historic records of eruptions, going back more than 2000 years.
Complex stratovolcano Currently about 3329 m (changing due to eruptive activity and collapse of its crater rims)
Sicily, Italy, 37.75°N / 14.99°E
Current status: erupting (4 out of 5)
Etna webcams / live dataEtna volcano videosEtna volcano books | Tours
Etna volcano eruptions:
Near continuously active; some major historic eruptions include 122 BC (large Plinian outbursts that created the small caldera of the "Cratere del Piano"), 1669 AD (devastating flank eruption that destroyed 15 villages and part of Catania), 1787 (Subplinian eruption and one of the most spectacular summit eruptions on record - lava fountains reportedly up to 3000 m high). Eruptions since 1950 (f: flank / s: summit activity): 1950 (s), 1950-51(f), 1955 (s), 1956 (s), 1956 (f), 1957 (s),1960 (s), 1961 (s), 1964 (f), 1964 (s), 1966 (s), 1966-1971(s), 1968 (f), 1971(f), 1972-1973 (s), 1974 (f), 1974-1975 (s), 1975-1977 (f), 1977-1978 (s), 1978 (f), 1979(s), 1979 (f), 1980 (s), 1981 (s), 1981 (f),1982-1983 (s), 1983(f), 1984(s), 1985(s), 1985(f), 1986(s), 1986-1987 (f), 1987(s), 1988(s), 1989(s), 1989(f), 1990 (s), 1991-93(f), 1995(s), 1996(s), 1997 (s), 1998 (s), 1999 (s), 2000 (s), 2001(s), 2001 (f), 2002(s), 2002-03(f), 2004-2005 (f), 2006 (s), 2007 (s), 2008-2009 (f), 2010(s), 2011-2013(s), 2014-ongoing(f)
Typical eruption style:Effusive (lava flows) and mildly explosive (strombolian) eruptions. Both summit and frequent flank eruptions, the latter seem to be occurring in clusters lasting few to a few tens of years.
Last earthquakes nearby
Etna volcano toursVolcanoes of Italy - the Grand Tour (15-days study & walking tour from Vesuvius to Etna) Etna Trekking Tour (private guided hiking & trekking tours on Etna volcano) Etna in Winter (winter trekking, skiing and snow-shoe excursions for small groups or individuals) Etna Volcano Special (volcano expedition to see Mt. Etna volcano' eruption) From Stromboli to Etna (walking & study tour with a volcanologist to Etna, Vulcano, Lipari and Stromboli)
Latest satellite images 
more on Etna volcano... 
Etna volcano updates and eruption news:
Fri, 19 May 2017, 10:23
We have several free spaces for (hiking) tours to the summit area of Etna in small groups (max 8 persons) on 16 and 17 June. The excursions are accompanied by a certified mountain guide and a volcanologist from our team (Dr. Tom Pfeiffer) and will aim to approach volcanic activity if present and the most interesting volcanic features. ...more
Fri, 19 May 2017, 08:48
Strombolian activity at the SE crater's saddle vent and the peaks of tremor accompanying each short-lived episode (image: Boris Behncke / INGV Catania) Since 11 May, Etna has been in an unusual state of activity. At remarkably regular intervals of approx. 8 hours, the "saddle vent", located between Etna's old and new Southeast Crater, has been producing more than 20 brief episodes of mild strombolian activity, each accompanied by a short-lived increase in volcanic tremor amplitude. The episodes are further characterized by the absence of strong degassing. ...moreWhat causes this unusual and certainly transient behavior is not exactly known. Researcher Dr Marco Neri tries to give an explanation in an article on La Gazzetta Siracusana(loosely translated): [ less] [ read all]
Thu, 27 Apr 2017, 12:00
Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX01 at 11:52 UTC, 27/04/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Wed, 26 Apr 2017, 23:30
Satellite image of Etna volcano on 26 Apr 2017 Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX01 at 23:17 UTC, 26/04/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Wed, 19 Apr 2017, 16:23
Etna's new lava flow from the SE cone seen on the thermal webcam of INGV Catania on Montagnola After a pause of 4 days, a new (mainly effusive) eruptive episode started this morning around 11:30 local time. Accompanied by mild strombolian activity from the summit vent of the SE crater cone, a new lava flow began to descend on the southern flank of the SE crater complex. ...moreIt follows and partially overlaps the previous lava flows from 10-11 and 13-15 April in direction of the western rim of the Valle del Bove. [ less]
Wed, 19 Apr 2017, 10:30
Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX01 at 10:24 UTC, 19/04/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Fri, 14 Apr 2017, 09:50
Etna's lava flow this morning (Radiostudio 7 webcam from Montagnola) After 48 hours of pause since the previous, short-lived eruptive episode, a new effusive eruptive phase began last evening, involving 3 vents. ...moreTremor started to rise from 20:00 local time; strong glow started to appear at the summit vent of the new SE cone on top of the crater complex shortly after 22:00 local time, suggesting the time when new magma arrived near the surface. A phase of weak strombolian-type explosions followed from this vent. Starting at 22:27, lava flows started to appear: probably first from the summit vent, but immediately followed by the opening and stronger lava effusion from the from the vent at the southern base of the crater complex (which had been the site of the previous eruptions in March and early April). 
Strombolian activity at the summit vent of the SE cone 
Beginning of lava effusion from both the summit vent and the opening vent at the southern base shortly after [ less] [ read all]
Thu, 13 Apr 2017, 21:00
Satellite image of Etna volcano on 13 Apr 2017 Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX01 at 20:56 UTC, 13/04/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Sun, 9 Apr 2017, 17:55
Etna's lava flow on 7 April 2017 (photo: Emanuela / VolcanoDiscovery Italy) The lava flow effusion seems to have decreased strongly or stopped over night. Dough and Emanuela who climbed the area of the vent yesterday afternoon were lucky to still see beautiful activity with lava flowing inside the main channel near the vent. [ link to photos] ...moreIn its upper portion below the effusive vent at about 2900 m elevation at the southern base of the SE crater complex, the lava flow was entirely underground inside a tube, but exited at a so-called ephemeral vent a few 100 m downslope into an open channel feeding an active 'a'a-type lava flow. Further downslope, small lava fronts high on Etna's southwestern flank have also been seen by other observers. However, it seems that for now, Etna's most recent eruptive phase might have ended; for how long Etna will remain calm is a matter of guessing. [ less] [ read all]
Wed, 5 Apr 2017, 15:44
As long as the current effusive eruption at Etna volcano continues and its spectacular lava flows remain reasonably accessible, we offer you the chance to come and see it with us in a private tour for individuals or small groups! ...more
Show more news
Sun, 2 Apr 2017, 16:13
Etna's lava flow on 30 March 2017 (photo: Emanuela / VolcanoDiscovery Italy) The effusive eruption from the new fissure vent at the southern base of the SE crater complex continues into its 3rd week of activity with little changes since it started early on 16 March. ...moreThe lava flow remains active, but at low effusion rate. It has formed a wide channel of 'a'a lava that passes between the Monte Supino and the 2002 craters (Monti Barbagallo), where it forms several overlapping branches. From 2800 m elevation, it has roofed itself over into a tube, but reappears at the surface further downslope. Its most advanced front is now at around 2300 m elevation on the SW flank. Link: Photos from the lava flow on 30 Mar 2017 [ less] [ read all]
Wed, 29 Mar 2017, 09:00
Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX01 at 08:48 UTC, 29/03/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Fri, 24 Mar 2017, 08:30
Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX01 at 08:20 UTC, 24/03/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Wed, 22 Mar 2017, 01:35
A steam ring from New SE crater drifts in the sky against a large ash plume (Photo: Emanuela / VolcanoDiscovery Italia) On Saturday late in the morning the explosive activity from the SE crater stopped. ...moreFrom that moment on the activity became mainly effusive, although some weak strombolian explosions and ash emissions were observed for short periods at the upper vent. 
A small pyroclastic flow at the flow front (Photo: Emanuela / VolcanoDiscovery Italia) 
Lava flow into the Valle del Bove with an ash plume from a small pyroclastic flow. (Photo: Roland / VolcanoDiscovery Italia) [ less] [ read all]
Tue, 21 Mar 2017, 08:30
Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX01 at 08:21 UTC, 21/03/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Mon, 20 Mar 2017, 07:19
Towards the end of the second eruption of Etna in 2017 (15-20 March), an unusual phenomenon occurred: the lower lava flow, originating from the 2900 m fissure vent at the base of the SE crater and descending into the Valle del Bove from its western rim at 2500 m elevation, produced a series of small to moderate pyroclastic flows, associated with dense ash plumes. ...moreThese gravity-driven turbulent currents of ash, larger fragments, air and hot gasses were caused when parts of the flow front collapsed on the steep, unstable terrain in combination probably with interaction between patches of snow still present. Emanuela and Roland visited the volcano on 18 March and sent us the following series of photos: [ less] [ read all]
Sat, 18 Mar 2017, 17:00
Satellite image of Etna volcano on 18 Mar 2017 Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX01 at 16:47 UTC, 18/03/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Sat, 18 Mar 2017, 00:36
Etna's lava flows descending into Valle del Bove; strombolian activity from the New SE cone (c) and strong glow from Voragine summit crater (r) (image: Osservatorio Meteorologico Nunziata webcam, view from E) The explosive-effusive eruption continues strongly. Several well-alimented lava flows are descending into the Valle del Bove from elevations between 2500-2700 m at the rim. ...moreAt the New SE cone, strombolian explosions or low, pulsating lava fountaining continue. The latter strombolian-type activity returned to be the dominant activity at the cone shortly before 23:00 local time on Thurday (16 Mar), abruptly replacing the previously intense ash emissions from the same vent. What caused the rapid change in eruption style at this vent is unclear. 
Current tremor amplitude (ESLN station / INGV Catania) 
Strombolian activity at the New SE cone and the new lava flow from the fissure at its base (Radiostudio 7 webcam from Montagnola, view from S) [ less] [ read all]
Fri, 17 Mar 2017, 23:15
Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX01 at 23:08 UTC, 17/03/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Fri, 17 Mar 2017, 05:45
Satellite image of Etna volcano on 17 Mar 2017 Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX02 at 05:43 UTC, 17/03/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Show more news
Thu, 16 Mar 2017, 22:19
Strombolian activity and lava flow at dawn (image: Boris Behncke / Flickr) The strong strombolian activity from the SE crater continued all day yesterday and today. The lava flow from the summit vent has flowed on top of the lava flow from about 15 days ago and yesterday it had reached an altitude of 2800m. ...moreYesterday late in the evening a new lava flow started from a vent that has opened at the southern base of the SE crater. This lava flow descended slowly toward the southeast reaching the Belvedere at an elevation of 2700m. [ less] [ read all]
Thu, 16 Mar 2017, 12:00
Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX01 at 11:46 UTC, 16/03/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Wed, 15 Mar 2017, 23:45
Satellite image of Etna volcano on 15 Mar 2017 Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX01 at 23:32 UTC, 15/03/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Wed, 15 Mar 2017, 14:46
Strombolian activity and lava flow view from Montagnola (Radiostudio7 webcam) The weak strombolian activity started a few days ago has slowly increased until this morning when suddenly the tremor steeply rose. This signaled the arrival of more and stronger explosions at the new vent located between the "old" and "new" SE crater. ...moreThe pyroclastic material ejected over the vent has generated a rheomorphic lava flow that has reached the base of the cone. The current pattern is very similar to the last episode which occurred about 15 days ago. 
Thermal image of the eruption ( INGV Montagnola thermal webcam) [ less] [ read all]
Wed, 15 Mar 2017, 08:30
Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse (VAAC) issued the following report: ...moreFVXX01 at 08:21 UTC, 15/03/17 from LFPW [ less] [ read all]
Sun, 5 Mar 2017, 15:01
Ash emission on the 3rd of March from the SE crater (image: Boris Behncke / Twitter) After only a few hours since the last eruption stopped, some sporadic weak ash emissions resumed from the new vent of the SE crater. ...moreToday bad weather prevented detailed observations but during brief moments of visibility it was possible to observe that the weak strombolian activity is still ongoing. Seismic tremor remains low. [ less] [ read all]
Thu, 2 Mar 2017, 17:38
Ash plume from Etna this evening (image: etna-guide webcam) The first significant eruption of Etna in 2017 ended during last night. What could be called a "subdued" paroxysm from the New SE crater consisted of near-continuous strong strombolian bursts from the saddle vent at the SE crater complex with the effusion of a lava flow that spread at the southern feet of the cone. ...moreAfter having lasted approx. 48 hours, the intense explosive-effusive activity began to weaken quickly after 22:00 local time yesterday evening and ceased at around 23:30. During the activity, a new cinder cone has grown significantly at the vent located between the "old" and "New" SE crater. 
Current tremor amplitude (SMNR station / INGV Catania) [ less] [ read all]
More on VolcanoDiscovery:
 How to watch volcanoes? Which volcano to choose? Some guidelines.  Krakatau volcano photos: Hundreds of photos from active Krakatau volcano in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia. Most of them taken during our various expeditions to this fascinating volcano.  Batu Tara photos: A remote island in the Flores Sea of Indonesia formed by a single volcano that has been in strong strombolian eruption for years. We regularly lead expeditions to there where we camp several days to observe it. |
