Lava glows as it slides between snow‑capped peaks, a sight rarely captured in such stark contrast. The Etna volcano, towering over Sicily, has entered a phase of heightened activity. The eruption, which intensified on February 10, has produced dramatic contrasts that scientists say are both visually striking and scientifically informative. From the summit, observers have shared luminous images that underscore Etna’s persistent vitality. The ongoing activity is being monitored by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Catania, which provides updates to the public as events unfold.
The eruption’s epicenter lies at the southeast crater, known as Bocca Nuova. Since the outset, explosions and lava flows have moved down the mountain, reshaping the upper flanks and creating new lava surfaces. The behavior of Etna during this phase demonstrates how quickly eruptive dynamics can shift, with fresh paths opening along the flanks and the lava appearing to carve new channels through the existing terrain.
Two days after the eruption began, a lava channel extended roughly 3 km, forming a pronounced river of molten rock that cut across the upper slopes. This long lava flow illustrates the persistent effusive activity that Etna is known for during vigorous phases, even as explosive activity continues to echo from the crater above.
Today the lava flow remains active while explosive activity at the crater has increased over the last 24 hours and appears nearly continuous. The combination of ongoing lava emission and rising explosions has kept the eruption in a highly dynamic state, with frequent changes in the plume and the surface flow visible from various vantage points around the volcano.
Red alert
With the growing activity, seismic tremor linked to the eruption has also intensified, reaching levels described as high. The tremor and eruptive vigor signal a volatile phase that could continue to evolve in unpredictable ways, reminding observers that Etna can shift from lava-dominated flows to frequent explosive bursts with little warning.
Officials have responded to the eruption by implementing safety measures to manage ash emissions and to safeguard travelers. The airport management for Catania has temporarily closed portions of the terminal to ensure passenger safety. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Catania has issued a red aviation alert due to the eruption’s intensity. In addition to the ash clouds, authorities monitor the dispersion of volcanic material and the potential impact on air routes, guiding aviation operations accordingly.
In addition to the ash, the eruption continues to produce bright incandescent lava at night and sporadic steam and gas emissions that drift with the wind. Scientists and observers alike underscore the unpredictability of Etna and the need for constant monitoring. Images and updates from field teams and volcanologists contribute to a broader public understanding of how Etna behaves during major eruptive episodes.
Boris Behncke, a veteran volcanologist with the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, has shared on-site observations and photographs from the summit, offering context for both specialists and the public. His notes highlight how the eruption’s surface activity relates to subsurface processes and how the eruption’s evolution can influence ash dispersion and lava pathways. The public can follow these observations through official updates from INGV and related agencies, which provide a clearer picture of ongoing changes on Etna’s slopes.
Airspace around the volcano remains under vigilant monitoring. Travelers are advised to check airline advisories and avoid restricted zones as authorities assess evolving conditions and implement measures to minimize risk to aviation and communities nearby. The situation underscores the importance of relying on official guidance and staying informed through trusted scientific sources as Etna continues to reshape its landscape from the summit to the lower flanks.
Etna’s current activity reflects its long history of alternating quiet and violent phases. The mix of lava rivers, explosive bursts, and ash emissions underlines the need for continued scientific oversight and careful aviation management as the eruption evolves and official authorities respond to changing conditions.