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Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
WATCH Mount Etna erupt: Europe's largest volcano blows as tourists scramble to safety
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Mount Etna erupted on Monday (June 2) with a ginormous cloud of ash and triggered an avalanche of volcanic material that has ripped down the side of Europe's largest active volcano. The massive eruption on the Italian island of Sicily sent visitors scrambling for safety as black smoke rose high above Catania, a metropolitan city with a population of more than 1 million people located near the base of the volcano. An avalanche of hot lava blocks, ash, gas and other volcanic material called a pyroclastic flow began at around 11:20 AM local time. Footage from the eruption makes it look as if the volcano is splitting open from the top down as the ejected material races down the side of the volcano. Scientists observing the volcano said that the latest eruptive activity likely started after a collapse of material in Mount Etna's South-East Crater, where the "explosive activity" has since become a lava fountain, according to an update at 12:00 PM local time from the Etnean Observatory, run by Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. There were no reports of injuries at the time of publication, though some social media videos show tourists fleeing the volcano on foot. "I spoke to the INGV (Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology), everything is normal and under control," Enrico Tarantino, the mayor of Sicily's Catania municipality, said in a statement, via the Independent. "There is no criticality, it is a phenomenon that repeats itself and, in light of the monitoring of the volcano, was already expected." Related: Watch mesmerizing 1,000-foot-tall lava fountains: Kilauea volcano erupting in ways not seen for 40 years Mount Enta has been erupting since Nov. 27, 2022, according to the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program. At over 11,000 feet (3,350 meters) tall, Mount Etna is the tallest volcano in Europe. —The closer a volcano is to erupting, the greener the trees around it look from space —Quadruple volcanoes on secret Soviet military base linked to climate-altering eruption 200 years ago — Earth from space —Mystery of Bolivian 'zombie' volcano finally solved The ash cloud from the latest eruption had risen up to around 21,300 feet (6,500 m), or 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) into the sky, according to an update from the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in France at 12:00 PM local time. That rise meant the ash cloud was almost twice as high as the volcano itself. The rest of the cloud is mostly composed of sulfur dioxide (SO2). This gas, when released from a volcano, can mix with other gases and particles in the atmosphere to form a haze called volcanic smog (vog). Inhaling enough vog can cause respiratory problems and other health issues such as eye and skin irritation, according to USGS. However, officials in Italy haven't warned of any threats to the local population at the time of publication. The eruption has stopped, according to an update at 4:56 PM local time from the Etnean Observatory.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Hidden layer beneath Italy's Campi Flegrei caldera may explain why it's so restless
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A weak layer of crust deep below the floor of Italy's Campi Flegrei causes the caldera to undergo periods of earth-trembling unrest, new research has found. According to the new study, published April 5 in the journal AGU Advances, this layer sits between 1.8 and 2.5 miles (3 to 4 kilometers) deep. It is made of a rock called tuff, which has been weakened by multiple magma intrusions over tens of thousands of years. This tuff, a light rock made of compressed volcanic ash, acts like a sponge for volcanic gases rising from the magma chamber that sits at least 7.5 miles (12 km) below the surface. When these gases begin to saturate the pores in the tuff, they cause the rock to deform and even break, creating earthquakes. This finding could explain the source of Campi Flegrei's regular restless periods, said study leader Lucia Pappalardo, senior researcher at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Italy (INGV). "Other calderas in the world are characterized by this phenomenon," Pappalardo told Live Science, "[so] we think our model can be extended to other calderas worldwide." The research is part of a larger project with the aim of better forecasting eruptions at Campi Flegrei, which is also known as the Phlegraean Fields and sits west of Naples. Roughly 500,000 people live in an area that would be swamped by boiling pyroclastic flows of hot ash and gas in the event of a caldera eruption, according to Italy's Civil Protection Department. Campi Flegrei has been erupting for at least 47,000 years and last erupted in 1538. But it undergoes periods of significant unrest, one of which has been ongoing since 2005. During these restless periods, the region shakes with frequent, mostly small, earthquakes. One of these minor quakes caused a wall to collapse at the historic site of Pompeii on Thursday (June 5), according to news reports. Pappalardo and her team wanted to understand how the structure and strength of the rocks under the caldera contribute to the volcanic activity. They used rocks drilled decades ago from deep below the caldera's center , subjecting them to a bevy of scientific analysis. They characterized the minerals and elements in the samples and also subjected them to a process called "4D computed X-ray microtomography," which allowed them to observe the structure of the rock samples while they were being compressed until they cracked. This provided information about the rocks' strength and mechanics, study co-author and INGV researcher Gianmarco Buono told Live Science. RELATED STORIES —Italy's Campi Flegrei volcano may unleash devastating eruptions more often than we thought —Were Neanderthals really killed off by Campi Flegrei, Europe's awakening 'supervolcano'? —Supervolcano 'megabeds' discovered at the bottom of the sea As the researchers conducted these tests on samples from different layers of rocks, they discovered the weak tuff layer. "This was unexpected," Pappalardo said. Using computer modeling, the researchers discovered that this layer has likely trapped numerous magma intrusions, or dykes, over the millennia. These intrusions heated and deformed the rock, weakening it. The researchers are now working to understand the ways that material from the caldera's deep magma chamber can rise to the surface, causing an eruption. But despite the caldera's frequent shuddering, there is no indication that a major eruption is imminent, Pappalardo said. "At the moment, our monitoring system is not registering any parameters that can suggest magma movement," she said. "So the eruption cannot be in a short time."
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Time of India
Mount Etna erupts mid-tourist season! Are flights safe for Italy? Can you claim compensation for cancelled flights?
On June 2, 2025, Italy's iconic Mount Etna erupted violently, sending a towering plume of volcanic ash into the sky and prompting immediate emergency measures across eastern Sicily. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The sudden eruption not only startled tourists but also caused widespread panic and significant disruption to the region's thriving tourism industry. Popular among adventurers, geologists, and vacationers, the region around Mount Etna was hit hardest as volcanic ash blanketed roads, trails, and towns. Though no casualties have been reported, the eruption has raised concerns about travel safety, emergency preparedness, and environmental impact. With seismic tremors still active and the possibility of further eruptions, Italian authorities are urging both residents and tourists to remain cautious. Here's a detailed breakdown of the eruption, the current situation, and its implications for travelers and locals alike. Mount Etna erupts in hours! Ash showers blanket villages According to the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the eruption began on the evening of June 2, with tremors first recorded around 10 PM local time. Within three hours, Strombolian activity—characterized by periodic explosive bursts of lava—had intensified dramatically. By 1 AM, ash plumes had reached altitudes of 6,400 meters (21,000 feet), visible from miles away. Videos shared on social media showed tourists fleeing from lava trails and ash showers as sirens blared in nearby villages. Streets, parked cars, and restaurant patios were quickly covered in a thick layer of ash. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Emergency services were activated immediately to aid evacuations and close off high-risk areas. Tourist hotspots closed, flights delayed amid Mount Etna eruption The eruption has led to temporary closure of trekking trails, guided tours, and observation platforms around Mount Etna. Popular towns such as Zafferana Etnea, Nicolosi, and Linguaglossa, which serve as gateways to Etna excursions, are experiencing a sharp decline in tourist activity due to ash accumulation and ongoing safety concerns. Hotels in the region have begun receiving cancellations, and tourism boards are working closely with civil protection agencies to redirect visitors to safer parts of Sicily. Despite the eruption, Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (Vincenzo Bellini Airport) remains operational. Outbound flights are largely unaffected, but inbound flights from major cities such as Rome, Milan, and Berlin have faced minor delays and rerouting to avoid the ash cloud. The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) initially issued a Code Red aviation warning, which is used for large ash events that could severely impact air traffic. This has since been downgraded to Code Orange, though pilots are still being advised to exercise extreme caution. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines or the airport's official channels before heading out, as the situation can change rapidly depending on wind patterns and volcanic activity. Mount Etna sparks mass evacuations, no casualties reported so far As of the latest reports, there have been no injuries or fatalities. Authorities emphasize that while the eruption is visually dramatic, it currently poses no direct threat to most residential areas. However, tourists in close proximity to the volcano have been evacuated as a precaution. Civil protection services are actively monitoring the volcano using drones, satellites, and ground instruments to detect changes in seismic patterns. Local residents have been advised to stay indoors, especially in areas where ashfall is heaviest, and to wear masks if they must go outside. What is Mount Etna Mount Etna, located on the east coast of Sicily near Catania, is Europe's most active volcano and one of the most monitored in the world. Classified as a stratovolcano, Mount Etna has been erupting for hundreds of thousands of years. It currently stands at approximately 3,329 meters (10,922 feet), though its height fluctuates with each eruption due to accumulated lava and ash. Etna's volcanic activity is not new. It erupts several times a year, but this particular episode has been classified as one of the most intense in recent memory due to the sheer volume of ash and its sudden onset. Its frequent eruptions have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and it remains a major attraction for tourists despite its volatility. Health and safety tips amid volcanic ash Health experts warn that exposure to volcanic ash, particularly PM10 and PM2.5 particles, can lead to respiratory issues, especially among: Children and the elderly Individuals with asthma or lung conditions Pregnant women Those with weakened immune systems Safety recommendations: Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in ash-affected areas Keep windows and doors closed to prevent ash from entering indoor spaces Wear high-quality masks (N95 or equivalent) when outdoors Use air purifiers indoors, if available Drive cautiously, as ash can reduce visibility and make roads slippery Flight delays from volcanoes? Here's what airlines will compensate for Flight disruptions due to volcanic eruptions are considered 'extraordinary circumstances' under most airline policies. This means: Refunds or alternate flights may be offered by airlines for canceled trips Compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 is not guaranteed, as natural disasters are typically excluded Travel insurance may cover additional expenses, depending on the policy and coverage for natural disasters Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly and review their insurance policies for eligibility. What's next? Ongoing monitoring and risk assessment Volcanologists are keeping a close watch on Mount Etna as seismic activity remains high. There is potential for further eruptions in the coming days, depending on pressure build-up and magma movement. The INGV continues to release hourly bulletins and warnings based on satellite imagery and geophysical data. Local authorities are also planning to deploy additional emergency response units if evacuation zones need to be expanded.
NDTV
05-06-2025
- Science
- NDTV
New Images Capture Mount Etna's Massive Eruption From Space
On June 2, Mount Etna erupted, spewing hot lava down its slopes as a massive ash cloud towered above Sicily. Located on the Italian island of Sicily, Europe's highest and most active volcano sent a colossal plume of ash soaring up to 5 kilometres into the sky during the eruption. Meanwhile, a European Space Agency satellite captured the whole thing from space. Copernicus Sentinel-2C snapped dramatic photos of the eruption just minutes after it began, providing a unique perspective on the volcanic activity. The satellite, launched by the European Commission's Earth observation program in September 2024, captured striking images of Mount Etna's eruption from an altitude of 775 km. The photos reveal a dense ash plume and a pyrocumulus cloud drifting over inland Sicily, as well as active lava flows descending into the Valle del Bove. "The image here clearly depicts the lava flow and huge plume of smoke and ash. A capture from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite also shows the sulphur dioxide emitted in the plume," ESA wrote while sharing the image. See the image here: 🌋 Mount Etna's latest eruption on 2 June was caught by @CopernicusEU Sentinel-2. This image shows the lava distribution from the eruption, using an infrared overlay to highlight lava flowing. — European Space Agency (@esa) June 4, 2025 As per ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite caught the eruption using its wide swath high-resolution multispectral imager that includes 13 spectral bands for imaging Earth's vegetation and landscape. The Copernicus satellites provide critical data to experts, enabling them to monitor volcanic activity, assess hazards, support emergency responses, and track long-term landscape changes. The eruption began at 11:24 am local time on June 2, when increased pressure from hot gases inside Mount Etna led to a partial collapse of one of its craters. This triggered a pyroclastic flow, sending a dense column of ash and smoke kilometres into the atmosphere. Lava flowed in three directions but began to cool down. Pyroclastic flows are highly hazardous, reaching temperatures of up to 1,000°C and travelling at speeds of around 60 miles per hour. #Etna 2025 suite de l'éruption — 🥗Aurelien Pouzin🍯 (@aurelienpouzin) June 2, 2025 Notably, there hadn't been an eruption from Etna of this magnitude since 2014, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) had noted Mount Etna was experiencing "intense and almost continuous" strombolian explosions. According to the latest statement by INGV, the eruption activity has ceased.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Mount Etna: 5 facts about Europe's most active volcano
Mount Etna: 5 facts about Europe's most active volcano (Image: AP) Italy's Mount Etna lays claim to several titles. It is: The world's most active " stratovolcano " Europe's largest and most active volcano One of the best-monitored volcanoes in the world One of the world's longest documented volcanoes A UNESCO World Heritage Site Where is Mount Etna? Mount Etna rises 3,357 meters (11,014 feet) above Catania, a city on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It covers an area of 1,250 square kilometers (482 square miles). What type of volcano is Mount Etna? Mount Etna is what geologists and volcanologists call a stratovolcano or composite volcano. Stratovolcanoes typically have steep inclines and many separate vents, formed over tens to hundreds of thousands of years. According to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), Etna has more than 500,000 years of eruptive history, but it's only taken its current, conical shape in the past hundred thousand years. Stratovolcanoes can be highly explosive when they erupt. They spew a variety of magma types, including basalt, andesite, dacite, and rhyolite. When UNESCO inscribed Mount Etna as a World Heritage Site in 2013, it said it was "an iconic site" that continued "to influence volcanology, geophysics and other Earth science disciplines. The volcano also supports important terrestrial ecosystems including endemic flora and fauna, and its activity makes it a natural laboratory for the study of ecological and biological processes." How dangerous is Mount Etna? It is difficult to determine the exact level of danger posed by Mount Etna. When it began erupting in June 2025, INGV set its alert level for Etna as "basic." While the volcano has been spewing lava non-stop for thousands of years, volcanologists can pinpoint new eruptions at least once or twice a year. According to the INGV, Mount Etna is in a state of persistent activity, with "continuous outgassing [which] can evolve into low energy Strombolian activity." "Strombolian" describes a type of eruption, caused by expanding gas that ejects clots of glowing lava in a cycle of almost continuous, small eruptions. Etna is also prone to "terminal and sub-terminal eruptions" at craters at the top of the volcano or nearby, and "lateral and eccentric eruptions" at vents along the slopes of the volcano What threat does Mount Etna pose to people? Few people live within 5-10km (3.1-6.2 miles) of Mount Etna, but they do face a constant threat of debris and dust, even from the smallest eruptions. Lava flows have been known to reach as far as the eastern seaboard of Sicily and run off into the Ionian Sea. It is about 40km from Etna to Catania, which has a population of more than 300,000 people, mostly in its outskirts. Research by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, Germany, suggested the eastern flank of Mount Etna was "slowly sliding towards the sea." In 2021, researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences said the flank was sliding into the Ionian Sea at a rate of centimeters per year: "Such unstable flanks could fail catastrophically, triggering landslides that could generate tsunamis." This has happened in the past, about 8,000 years ago. And what of the flora and fauna at Mount Etna? Mount Etna and its surroundings are home to a variety of animals, including foxes, wild cats, porcupines, pine martens, rabbits, hares; and birds of prey like sparrowhawks, buzzards, kestrels, peregrine falcons and golden eagles. Farming has left a significant human footprint around Mount Etna, largely because volcanic soil is good for agriculture. As the British Geological Survey explains, "Volcanic deposits are rich with magnesium and potassium […] when the volcanic rock and ash weathers, the [magnesium and potassium] are released, producing extremely fertile soils." The volcano has also shaped its surrounding woodlands: vineyards, olive groves, orchards, hazelnut and pistachio groves flourish, and higher up, birch trees are exclusive to the area.
