NEWS – Rare volcanic vortex rings, perfect smoke rings, form at Mount Etna. Scientists intrigued

HIGHLIGHTS

VOLCANIC VORTEX RINGS

• Generated by rapid release of gas, mainly water vapor, through a vent in the crater.
• The circular shape of the vent results in circular rings seen above the volcano.
• First observed at Mount Etna and Vesuvius in Italy in 1724.
• Documented in historical records, including an engraved plate from 1755.
• Observed at various volcanoes worldwide in recent times – Examples include Redoubt in Alaska, Tungurahua in Ecuador, and Stromboli in Italy.
• Similar to how dolphins create bubble rings underwater by compressing water and using their tongues + Volcanic vortex rings are produced in a similar manner but with gas in volcanic vents.
• Rings can last up to 10 minutes in the air + They may disintegrate quickly in windy or turbulent conditions.

MOUNT ETNA

• Location and Significance
  • Active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy.
  • Europe’s largest and one of the most active volcanoes.
  • Peak is the highest in Italy south of the Alps.
• Geological Features
  • Etna’s summit has five craters responsible for most eruptions.
  • Over 300 vents of varying sizes along the slopes lead to flank eruptions.
• Eruptive History
  • Witnessed at least 60 flank eruptions and numerous summit eruptions since 1600.
  • Notable recent eruptions in 2006, 2007-08, 2012 (twice), 2018, and 2021.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Designated as a World Heritage Site since 2013.
  • UNESCO recognizes its eruptive history dating back 500,000 years