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Mt. Etna travel wonder in Sicily, Italy |
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Why It is one of the largest, most unpredictable, least classifiable, and most active volcanoes in the world.
Mt. Etna
Mt. Etna is nearly 3,300 meter (11,000 foot) high and commands the eastern Sicily skyline.
Unlike most volcanoes, Mt. Etna has many craters and varied eruptive behaviors. It defies easy classification by volcano scientists.
It is a threat to many villages as well as to Catania. That city was partially covered with lava flows during the powerful 1669 eruption. The last recorded eruption and lava flow occurred in 2007.
During calm volcanic periods, tours take you to the rims of some of the Mt. Etna craters - and sometimes into them.
Mt. Etna is fashioned by geological forces of great magnitude. The north-heading African tectonic plate is squeezing under its European counterpart. The resulting friction creates molten rock.
Mt. Etna is the home of Vulcan (the god of fire) and the one-eyed Cyclops, according to Greek Mythology.
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I hope your Italy travel dreams come true - and that my Mt. Etna page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip ©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications
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