…of ScanEx RDC from the SPOT 4 satellite. The image depicts the Etna volcano.
Etna is the highest (approx. 3323 (80) m) and the most active volcano in Europe and is located on the eastern coast of Sicily . The volcano height cannot be indicated precisely as it varies due to eruptions and slaggy lava emissions. Etna has four central cones of almost the same height, though the central one is a bit higher than the others. Volcanic activity of Etna started 0.5 million years ago with the lava emissions underwater and nearshore areas. The 1669 eruption and the 1955-2003 volcanic activities had the greatest impact on the modern morphology of the volcano.
The nearest large settlements are Messina and Catania cities. Unique natural conditions, fertile volcanic soils and vintage vineyards made Etna one of the most interesting vine regions in Italy. Etna is always smoking. Small eruptions accompanied with minor lava flows occur three to four time per year. It is this recurrent activity that allows the Sicilians feel comfortable—minor and permanent eruptions relieve the internal volcano pressure and prevent big catastrophes. The last series of eruptions occurred in early 2012.
Now, this largest of the European active volcanoes slowly, but surely, slides down into the Ionian Sea, shifting its cone eastward at the rate of 5cm/year. Extra sensitive sensors, installed on the volcano slopes, keep accurate records of each millimeter of shift.
