Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and also one of the most frequently erupting volcanoes in the world. It is located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. It measures 10,900 feet high with a base circumference of about 93 miles.
It consists of two edifices which are an ancient shield volcano at the base and a much younger stratovolcano that was built on the top of the shield volcano. The shield volcano began to form about 500,000 years ago and the stratovolcano started about 35,000 years ago.
Fast Facts: –
- The most destructive eruption started on March 11, 1669 and the lava flow caused a lot of destruction and killed many people.
- On the slopes of this volcano, there are three observatories which have been set up. They are located at Catania, Casa Etnea, and Cantoniera.
- Mount Etna itself spans roughly an area of around 600 square miles.
- It is the main feature of Etna National Park that covers an area of 224 square miles and includes forests, lava fields etc.
- It is surrounded by various communities which need to be protected by using diversion tactics when an eruption takes place.
- The rich volcanic soil around this volcano is absolutely perfect for growing grapes. This is the reason why it is one of the greatest wine producing regions in Sicily.
- Most of the eruptions are not violent and destructive in nature.
- The actual height of the volcano keeps changing due to the consistent eruptions taking place.
- Etna is know to the locals as “Mongibello” which translates in English as “Beautiful Mountain“.
