INGV reported that activity at Etna’s summit craters continued during 24-28 July. Volcanologists conducted a field inspection of the summit area on 24 July, the day after intense activity that included Strombolian explosions and lava fountaining at Voragine Crater, and lava overflows at Bocca Nuova Crater. Explosive activity at Voragine Crater occurred at intervals of 35-40 minutes during the inspection and ejected material beyond the crater rim. Lava flows originated from three breaches along Bocca Nuova Crater’s WNW, W, and SW rim and continued to advance. The WNW flow traveled the farthest, reaching 2,905 m elevation, followed by the W and SW flows that reached 2,950 and 3,026 m elevations, respectively. The total volume of the lava flows that breached the crater rim, the flows that pooled within the crater, and ejected pyroclastic deposits, were estimated to be 2.4 x 10^6 cubic meters. Activity at Voragine Crater on 25 July was characterized by intermittent explosive activity and a period of Strombolian activity.

Geological Summary. Mount Etna, towering above Catania on the island of Sicily, has one of the world's longest documented records of volcanism, dating back to 1500 BCE. Historical lava flows of basaltic composition cover much of the surface of this massive volcano, whose edifice is the highest and most voluminous in Italy. The Mongibello stratovolcano, truncated by several small calderas, was constructed during the late Pleistocene and Holocene over an older shield volcano. The most prominent morphological feature of Etna is the Valle del Bove, a 5 x 10 km caldera open to the east. Two styles of eruptive activity typically occur, sometimes simultaneously. Persistent explosive eruptions, sometimes with minor lava emissions, take place from one or more summit craters. Flank vents, typically with higher effusion rates, are less frequently active and originate from fissures that open progressively downward from near the summit (usually accompanied by Strombolian eruptions at the upper end). Cinder cones are commonly constructed over the vents of lower-flank lava flows. Lava flows extend to the foot of the volcano on all sides and have reached the sea over a broad area on the SE flank.

Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)