Mount Etna

Todd Sain Sr.

2 weeks ago

Source: http://tinyurl.com/2ns5u5dv Photo: Naval S CCL: http://tinyurl.com/2dcehfvs

Mount Etna Facts

The surprisingly simple term of Mount Etna serves as the english language name, and perhaps best known one, for this natural marvel. Yet, it has others, in different tongues. These include Mongibello, Aetna, and Gibilmanna, among many others.
This incredible geological feature stands out from similar one’s around the world. It also does so in a variety of ways. Physically, it’s one of the tallest peaks of its type on its continent. The site also played an important role in the early mythology of the area.
Despite its proximity to densely populated regions, it’s actually an active volcano! In fact, it ranks among the most active one’s on its continent. Though generally comparatively mild in nature, it remains in an almost constant state of volcanic activity.
There’s no doubt that prehistoric man knew of the existence of Mount Etna, of course. In more modern times, however, the Greek civilization made the first written mention of it. Evidence indicates that this event occurred around the year 7 BCE.
Due to its mixture of potential danger and historical importance, it’s received a unique combination of special recognitions. Because of the threat it poses to nearby populations, it’s been named a Decade Volcano. Yet, it’s also a World Heritage Site.

Villarrica

Nyiragongo Volcano

Kelimutu

Source: http://tinyurl.com/24ewx3wp Photo: Alicia Morugán CCL: http://tinyurl.com/5dde89km

Mount Etna Physical Description

The magnificent Mount Etna draws the eye of nearly everyone who ventures to visit it. Though the appeal varies from person to person, it holds a wide range of them. Among those, of course, is the sheer physical size of this creation of still ongoing volcanic processes.

The height of the visually impressive volcano itself changes on a regular basis, of course. This takes place due to the steadily occurring volcanic activity within it. Currently, though, the highest measured point of the marvel stands approximately 10,922 ft (3,329 m) tall.

Classifying as a stratovolcano, it’s characterized by its relatively steep sides. These formed from layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and other volcanic debris. In turn, these layers are built up over time through successive eruptions of varying strength and duration.

It’s also renowned for another remarkable feature. That’s the presence of several craters, with those one the summit being the most prominent. These craters can vary in size and activity levels, with the Southeast Crater being one of the most active in recent years.

The extraordinary Mount Etna further astounds the viewer due to the area the mountain covers. Due to its gently sloping nature and width, it covers an astonishing area of 459 sq mi (1,190 sq km). Its base circumference alone equals roughly an incredible 87 mi (140 km).

Source: https://tinyurl.com/ymd3dw3j Public Domain Image

Mount Etna Location, Formation, and History

The stunning Mount Etna formed in a region of the globe already well known for its abundance of natural marvels. Many of these, in fact, have similar natures, being either volcanic or geothermal in nature. It lies on an island extremely close to Europe.

More precisely, natural processes created it on the island of Sicily. The beautiful island itself sits just off the southern tip of the country of Italy. On the island itself, though, the mountain resides on the general east coast, situated near the cities of Catania and Messina.

Research indicates that the formation of this wonder of natural forces began roughly 500,000 years ago. At that time, however, the activity was occurring beneath the sea. Then, about 200,000 years later, more activity took place, relocated southwest of the summit.

Subsequently, the activity moved once again, to its present location. This displacement took place around 170,000 years in the past. At that time, ongoing eruptions built up much of the bulk of its structure, creating the general stratovolcano structure it has today.

In modern times, however, Mount Etna hasn’t ceased its activity. It’s continued to remain quite active, with varying strength. During the reigns of the different civilizations of the region, countless eruptions, both major and minor, occurred, most going unrecorded.

This marvel of Nature ranks as the most active volcano in Europe. Since 1750, seven eruptions have lasted longer than five years! Only Mount Vesuvius exceeds that. Fortunately, most are not greatly destructive in nature, given its location and public awareness.