Mount Etna, Europe's tallest and most active volcano, is under constant surveillance with a cutting-edge network of sensors and cameras that provide real-time monitoring of its volcanic activity.
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), based in Catania, is the agency responsible for monitoring Mount Etna's volcanic activity.
Its work involves a comprehensive approach using advanced technology and round-the-clock vigilance.
Monitoring Etna
Monitoring includes recording seismic activity through a network of seismic stations that track earthquakes and tremors around the volcano.
"A change in this type of activity can indicate the movement of magma beneath the surface and serve as a precursor to eruptive activity," Marco Aliotta of INGV told RFI.
The team also conducts geodetic monitoring with GPS stations, strainmeters, and tiltmeters to measure ground deformation, such as uplift and subsidence.
"These changes can signal magma movement or the arrival of new magma in the volcano's plumbing system," Aliotta explained.
Gas composition measurements of emissions like sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide offer further clues about magma activity. Additionally, INGV utilizes thermal imaging and satellite imagery to detect surface temperature changes and identify new lava flows.
"All these methods are integrated into a real-time monitoring system accessible from our 24/7 surveillance room at INGV Catania," Aliotta said. The system is staffed by shift workers and on-call experts specializing in various disciplines of volcanology.
"This system provides crucial data, enabling scientists to better assess volcanic stages and quickly issue alerts to the public, civil protection agencies, and other institutions," he added.
Etna's erruptions
Mount Etna, located on the east coast of Sicily, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with a history of frequent eruptions spanning thousands of years.
Its activity dates back to at least 1500 BCE, as recorded in historical texts and geological studies.
One of its earliest documented eruptions occurred in 475 BCE, noted by Greek historians.
A catastrophic eruption in 1669 destroyed several villages and sent lava flows into the city of Catania, reaching the sea. In more recent history, a major eruption in 1991-1993 lasted over a year, threatening nearby towns and requiring extensive efforts to divert lava flows.
Etna continues to erupt frequently, with notable activity in 2021, producing dramatic lava fountains and ash clouds visible from space. Despite its volatility, the volcano remains a vital part of Sicily’s culture and economy, attracting scientists and tourists alike.
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