Mount Etna

Mount Etna is an active stratovolcano on Sicily’s east coast and Europe’s highest active volcano. Frequent eruptions continually reshape its summit and flanks.

Stratovolcano: A steep volcanic mountain built from alternating layers of lava and fragmental deposits. Etna’s layered cone is the defining structure of this volcano type.
1669 eruption of Mount Etna: A major Etna eruption that began in March 1669 and sent lava toward Catania. Its destructive lava flow is Etna’s most consequential historic flank eruption.
INGV Osservatorio Etneo: The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology observatory that monitors Etna and other eastern Sicilian volcanoes. Its seismic, geodetic, and visual observations underpin assessments of Etna’s activity.
Subduction: The descent of one tectonic plate beneath another into Earth’s mantle. Convergence near Sicily is part of the regional setting for Etna’s magmatism.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: A place inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for its outstanding universal value. Etna was inscribed in 2013 for its exceptional geological significance.
Magma: Molten or partially molten rock beneath Earth’s surface, often containing dissolved gases and crystals. Magma rising beneath Etna supplies its lava and explosive eruptions.
1991–1993 eruption of Mount Etna: A long Etna eruption whose lava threatened the town of Zafferana Etnea. Diversion barriers and other interventions made this eruption a landmark in lava-hazard management.
Volcanic hazard: A potential threat to people or property from volcanic processes such as lava, ash, or gas. Etna’s hazards vary by eruption style, location, and exposure.
African Plate: A major tectonic plate that includes Africa and adjoining parts of the Atlantic and Indian ocean floors. Its convergence with Eurasia helps shape the tectonic setting around Sicily.
Mount Etna wine: Wine produced on Etna’s slopes, where volcanic soils and elevation shape local vineyards. Viticulture shows how communities make use of Etna’s changing volcanic terrain.

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