Source: A Sicilian volcano is blowing smoke rings in the sky. What are volcanic vortex rings? (The Indian Express, April 12, 2024)
Mount Etna, renowned as one of the planet’s most active volcanoes, is famous for Volcanic Vortex Rings. Discover how it originates. Moreover, are the rings indicative of an imminent eruption? Read on…
Mount Etna:
- Mount Etna, Europe’s largest volcano, has been emitting near-perfect rings of smoke into the atmosphere.
- These rings are an uncommon sight and are termed volcanic vortex rings by scientists.
- The formation of these rings mirrors the creation of smoke rings blown by some cigarette smokers.
- Scientists draw parallels between the mechanisms behind both phenomena.
Location:
- Mount Etna, also known simply as Etna, is situated on the east coast of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
- It lies just off the toe of Italy’s “boot.”
- Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, Etna holds global significance.
- UNESCO states that Etna’s eruptive history spans an impressive 500,000 years.
Characteristics:
- Etna boasts the highest peak in Italy south of the Alps.
- It holds the title of Europe’s largest and one of the most active volcanoes.
Crater Distribution:
- The summit of Etna features five craters, primarily responsible for its eruptions.
- Additionally, there are over 300 vents of various sizes along the mountain’s slopes, contributing to flank eruptions.
Activity:
- Etna exhibits almost continuous activity.
- Since 1600, it has witnessed approximately 60 flank eruptions and numerous summit eruptions.
Recent Eruptions:
- Notable summit eruptions occurred in 2006, 2007-08, twice in 2012, 2018, and 2021.
- Flank eruptions were recorded in 2001, 2002-03, 2004-05, and 2008-09.
Volcanic Vortex Rings: Phenomenon and Observations
Formation:
- Vortex rings are created when gas, mainly water vapor, is rapidly released through a vent in the crater of a volcano.
- The vent at Etna’s crater is nearly perfectly circular, resulting in the circular shape of the observed rings since April 2.
Historical Observations:
- The phenomenon was initially noted at Etna and Vesuvius in Italy back in 1724.
- An engraved plate from 1755 documents this observation.
Global Occurrences:
- Volcanic vortex rings have been observed at various volcanoes worldwide in recent times.
- Notable locations include Redoubt in Alaska, Tungurahua in Ecuador, Pacaya in Guatemala, and others such as Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland, Stromboli in Italy, Aso and Sakurajima in Japan, Yasur in Vanuatu, Whakaari in New Zealand, and Momotombo in Nicaragua.