The new effusive eruption from subterminal flank vents on the volcano’s upper eastern flank continues. The lava flow that started yesterday remains active. It is being fed by two vents that had opened in succession, one at 3250 m and the other at 2800 m elevation on the upper eastern flank, according to a statement by the National Institute of Volcanology in Catania (INGV) who monitor the volcano.
The lava front had reached the 2100 m elevation yesterday afternoon and was heading towards Monte Simone in Valle del Bove. The overall effusion rate remains only modest.
Explosive activity at the SE crater complex has decreased, hinting at that the currently erupted magma is from the column below the gas-rich batch that erupted in the preceding days.
Ground deformation, seismic and other data indicate that the supply of magma from depth is at similar levels as the current output, thus indicating a stable situation of low intensity, at least for now. Etna has been known for periods with effusive activity of low intensity that can last from few days to many months. How the activity will evolve is open to speculation.
