Stromboli volcano (Eolian Islands, Italy): destabilization of crater rim released massive pyroclastic density current and lava flow

Strong dense pyroclastic flow and lava flow at Stromboli volcano this morning (image: INGVvulcani)

Strong dense pyroclastic flow and lava flow at Stromboli volcano this morning (image: INGVvulcani)

The ongoing highly elevated activity at the volcano resulted in a spectacular, billowing pyroclastic flow tumbling down the Sciara del Fuoco this morning at about 07:20 local time.
INGV volcanologists concluded that a part of the rim of the crater (likely North)had collapsed that culminated in hot rock falls traveling beyond the coastline above water for about several dozens-to-hundred meters. Ash plumes separating from the flow (so-called phoenix clouds) rose several hundred meters above the volcano. The pyroclastic flow triggered 2 cm high sea waves registered by the tsunami warning system.

The event has been associated with a new lava flow as well, emerging from a vent in the summit area and simultaneously descending with the pyroclastic density current and pouring into the sea.
A period of high amplitude tremor accompanied the crater rim collapse, currently continues at medium-high values.

Source: Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia volcano activity update 9 October 2022

Time-lapse LBZ webcam record of the running pyroclastic flow down the Sciara del Fuoco into the sea (source: Marco Pistolesi)

The ash-rich pyroclastic flow and lava flow continue to reach the sea (source: @mondoterremoti/twitter)

Pyroclastic density current traveled beyond the coast as seen from Ginostra webcam (image: GST webcam)

Pyroclastic density current traveled beyond the coast as seen from Ginostra webcam (image: GST webcam)