Introducing Mount Etna

Mount Etna is a volcano in Sicily, Italy (the island at the bottom left of Italy).













Volcanoes are not always erupting. This picture is of Mount Etna when it is inactive. It looks so beautiful and harmless, but don't let it fool you!





This is a picture of Mount Etna being active. Hot lava flows from the top and oozes all the way down the mountain while the volcano is constantly shooting out hot gases and lava.

What is a Volcano?

A volcano is defined as an opening in the earth's surface crust through which molten lava, ash, and gases are ejected.

All volcanoes follow this basic volcanic structure.






Mount Etna is a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes are tall, cone shaped volcanoes made up of many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. These kinds of volcanoes are characterized by a steep shape and regular, explosive eruptions.

How High is Mount Etna?

Mount Etna is 10,922 feet high! This volcano is about as tall as Mount Hood in Oregon.

What is so Special about Mt. Etna?

Mount Etna is so unique because it is one of the most active volcanoes in the world!

Here are some pictures of a few more recent eruptions of Mount Etna.


The following pictures are of Mount Etna erupting in 2006, 2004 and 1997.

When did Mt. Etna Last Erupt?

Mount Etna most recently erupted on May 10th of this year, nearly 5 months ago!









Here are several pictures taken of different eruptions of Mt. Etna.

What Causes a Volcanic Eruption?

Deep within the Earth it is so hot that some rocks slowly melt and become a thick flowing substance called magma. Because it is lighter than the solid rock around it, magma rises and collects in magma chambers. Pressure builds up until the gases escape violently and explode. Eventually some of the magma pushes through vents and cracks in the Earth's surface causing a volcanic eruption to occur!







Volcano Eruption National Geographic




How Volcanoes Erupt Ignite Learning

Physical Effect Diagram

Some physical effects caused by volcanic eruptions include floods, lava flow, ash, rocks, chemicals in air, and mudflows. From lava flow we get burning of land, covering of land with molten rock, and new land masses. Volcanic eruptions also put out ash, rocks, and chemicals in the air which put more color in the sunset and can cause a lot of destruction to land, homes, and property.