Tourists in Italy have been treated to an incredible sight as Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, has been blowing spectacular “smoke rings” into the sky since last week. This rare phenomenon, known as “volcanic vortex rings,” is generated by the combination of rapid gas release and the vent shape spewed out of a new crater that opened on Etna’s summit. The volcano has already emitted hundreds, if not thousands, of these impressive steam rings, with no other volcano on Earth known to produce as many. The Daily Mail reports that even if a volcano has the capability to create smoke rings, strong winds will typically prevent them from forming.
Etna, located in the coastal city of Catania, is the largest of Italy’s three active volcanoes and the largest active volcano in Europe. The volcano frequently erupts, with the most recent eruption occurring in November 2023 when a lava fountain was sent into the air, causing loud booms and explosions. The eruption this time has been particularly unique, with the volcano producing an extraordinary amount of steam rings due to the new crater that opened on the northeastern rim of the South-East Crater. Despite the visual spectacle, there have been no reports of disruptions in the surrounding villages or at Catania airport as a result of the “smoke rings.”
Boris Behncke, a volcanologist at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Catania, expressed amazement at the unprecedented activity of Mount Etna. This recent eruption has broken all previous records, with the volcano continuously emitting the steam rings since the small mouth opened on the northeastern rim of the South-East Crater. Behncke explained in a Facebook post that the puffs of glowing gas have produced an impressive amount of steam rings, with the activity ongoing ever since. The stunning visual display has captivated tourists and locals alike, with the volcano resembling a chimney blowing out a stream of rings into the sky.
Despite the continuous emission of steam rings, there have been no major disruptions in the surrounding areas. The airport in Catania is often closed in the case of major eruptions, but there have been no reports of closures due to the recent activity of Mount Etna. The lack of disruption highlights the resilience of the region in the face of natural disasters, with the volcano being a significant part of the landscape and local culture. Italy’s Mount Etna serves as a powerful reminder of the dynamic and sometimes volatile forces of nature that shape our world, captivating both scientists and visitors with its awe-inspiring displays of power and beauty.
Overall, the recent activity of Mount Etna has captured global attention with its rare “smoke rings” phenomenon. The volcano’s impressive emission of steam rings, generated by the rapid gas release from a new crater, has left tourists and scientists in awe of the natural spectacle. Despite being the largest active volcano in Europe, Etna continues to surprise and amaze with its dynamic eruptions. As the volcano’s activity continues, residents and visitors in the region remain vigilant and fascinated by the power and beauty of Italy’s Mount Etna.
