Updates on volcanic activity (Smithsonian)
The Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report provides information about global volcanism on a weekly basis. Latest Etna report has been published on 06 Aug 2026 10:11.
The Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV) reported eruptive activity at Etna?s summit craters during 27 July-2 August characterized by sporadic explosive activity and ash emissions at Northeast Crater (NEC) and Bocca Nuova Crater (BN), Strombolian activity and lava effusion at Voragine Crater (VOR), and gas emissions at Southeast Crater. Strombolian activity began at VOR at 0330 on 30 July. The explosive activity gradually intensified during the morning, which produced ash plumes that drifted NW, and transitioned to lava fountaining. The Aviation Color Code (ACC) was raised to Yellow (the second lowest color on a four-color scale) at 0407 and to Orange at 0424. Ash plumes rose to 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l.; the ACC was raised to Red at 0533. Lava flows from Strombolian activity at VOR advanced into the Northeast Crater (NEC), and ash emissions drifted SW. At around 0959 a small pyroclastic flow traveled from VOR towards the upper part of the Valle del Bove, and at around the same time ash emissions became less intense. Minor ashfall was reported in Bronte (15 km WNW). Strombolian activity at VOR began to decrease at 1030 and ceased at 1300, though intense ash emissions persisted. By 1743 ash emissions had declined and were characterized as diffuse; the ACC was lowered to Orange.
Strombolian activity at VOR resumed at 1850 and gradually intensified. By 1932 Strombolian activity was strong and ash plumes were again rising to 7 km a.s.l.; the ACC was raised to Red. Ashfall was reported in the Monte Denza area (6 km SSW). At 2049 a lava flow from two aligned vents along a new fissure that opened on the upper NE flank of VOR, at 2,700 m elevation, advanced into Northeast Crater (NEC) and spread into a flow field in the Valle del Leone (upper sector of the Valle del Bove). The fissure opened in the same area as the fissures that produced lava flows in late June and early July. The lava flow reached Monte Simone and split into three branches; the smallest advanced into the Monte Simone crater while the other two flows advanced around the cone on either side. The northern branch stopped at 1,990 m elevation while the southern branch stopped at 1,950 m elevation. Intense Strombolian activity stopped at 0140 on 31 July, though very minor ash emissions continued along with active lava flows at the summit area. At 0543 the ACC was lowered to Orange. The distal end of the flow field was no longer advancing on 1 August and cooling, though flows closer to the vent were supplied with lava and continued to slowly advance. INGV staff conducted a field visit on 2 August and observed no activity. The ACC was lowered to Yellow at 1245 that same day. The volcano Alert Level remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-level scale) according to the Dipartimento della Protezione Civile.
Sources: Dipartimento della Protezione Civile,Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)
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