Tourists in Italy have been treated to quite the show as Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, has been blowing spectacular 'smoke rings' into the sky since last week. The rare phenomenon, known as 'volcanic vortex rings,' is generated by the combination of rapid gas release and the vent shape spewed out of a new crater that opened on Tuesday on Etna's summit.
Pictures and video show the volcano looking like a chimney blowing out a stream of rings. Volcanologist Boris Behncke at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Catania explained that Etna has been breaking records with this activity, emitting hundreds if not thousands of these impressive steam rings.
Etna is noted for its unique ability to produce such vapor rings, a feat not commonly seen in other volcanoes due to the interference of strong winds. The volcano frequently erupts, with the most recent eruption occurring in November 2023, sending a lava fountain into the air with loud booms and explosions.
Located in the coastal city of Catania, Etna is the largest of Italy's three active volcanoes and the largest active volcano in Europe, according to the European Space Agency. Despite the mesmerizing display of 'smoke rings,' there have been no reports of disruptions in the surrounding villages or at Catania airport. The airport, however, is known to close in the case of major eruptions.
