Mount Etna’s Rare Display of Volcanic Vortex Rings
Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, has been showcasing an extraordinary natural phenomenon in the past few days. Images and videos captured show near-perfect circular smoke rings rising into the Sicilian sky, a rare display caused by the continuous release of vapors and gases from the volcano.
Volcanic Vortex Rings
Volcanic vortex rings are an extremely rare occurrence characterized by the emission of near-perfect circles of vapor and gas from a volcano under specific conditions. These rings are formed when gas bubbles are pushed through narrow volcanic conduits, wrapping around themselves in a vortex motion and propelling hundreds of meters into the air.
Unprecedented Activity
The phenomenon of smoke rings emitting from Mount Etna has been observed after a new crater reportedly opened on its summit. The gas rings are emanating from a small vent on the volcano’s southeast crater, as confirmed by Boris Behncke, a volcanologist with the INGV-Osservatorio Etneo. This unique display has been ongoing since April 2, 2024.
Mount Etna’s Impact
While most eruptions of Mount Etna are harmless, the volcano’s activity can sometimes lead to disruptions. An eruption in August last year resulted in an ash cloud that caused flight cancellations, delays, and redirections, affecting holiday travelers. The 2013 eruption left vehicles and streets on the Mediterranean island covered in ash, highlighting the volatile nature of this iconic volcano.
Mount Etna, standing at a height of 3,357 meters, has been Europe’s most active volcano for over 3,500 years and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.