- smoke rings that come out from theEtna, in recent years, are an occurrence that is repeated quite often. Last week the emission of these was recorded steam and gas rings which has intrigued and surprised many. Let's see what this very particular thing consists of. natural phenomenon.
The Mystery of Volcanic Smoke Rings
The smoke rings that we have seen invading social media these past weeks with photos and reports are not only produced by theEtna but also from other active volcanoes, including the Stromboli. They are generated following a process due to the rise of an intense jet of gas e water vapor opened from a new mouth of the volcano.
Experts are still unable to precisely explain the specific causes of the phenomenon, although some believe that they are a sort of safety valve for volcanoes.
I volcanologists They estimate that these rings can reach up to 200 meters in diameter and an altitude of 1000 meters, with a slow ascent that can last up to ten minutes. The phenomenon has been recorded in various parts of the world; one example is the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull, in May 2010 or the eruption of Nishinoshima in Japan in 2014.
Origins and explanation of the phenomenon
As mentioned above, these rings form when steam explosions erupt from small vents in the volcano. The air at the center of the rings moves at a significantly higher speed, causing the outer portion to spin. As the seconds pass, as the ring rises higher, if strong enough, it can detach itself from the steam that created it, soaring into the sky at a speed of one kilometer per hour (source: https://www.laspiapress.com/).
Etna is one of the volcanoes in the world most famous for this phenomenon.
Smoke rings from Etna
The emission of smoke rings from Etna has occurred several times, especially in moments of greater and more intense eruptive activity: we remember the emission of the rings in the distant 2000, in 2014 then in February 2017, in December 2018.
Recall that in 2014, along with the rings, the volcano emitted hot clouds and lava fountains.
After a series of paroxysms theEtna, the highest active volcano in Europe, generated from the crater of New MouthWe also know that Etna is gradually and increasingly transforming.
Its puffs in the sky, clearly seen by thousands of people, appeared last July 22nd at the same time in which the city was recording very high temperatures and failures of the electricity and water lines, and fires.
Many have been captivated by the striking, visually sharp circles in the sky, immortalizing the rings with cameras, cell phones, and videos. Even the many tourists flocking to the city these days have been able to witness the mesmerizing phenomenon. There has also been an increase in requests to participate in tours led by expert guides to witness the emission up close, especially those visible from the sky. from the Barbagallo Craters and from Schiena dell'Asino.
Many have renamed our mountain as the “Lady of the Rings”, borrowing the title of the Tolkien's famous fantasy saga which sees an erupting volcano among the locations of the protagonists' exploits.
A phenomenon that fascinates and intrigues
The formation of these agglomerations of gas and steam, as we've seen, gives rise to rings that assume almost perfect proportions and shapes. The production of these rings is important for scientists to monitor volcanic activity, the state of the lava, and above all its internal and external changes.
The phenomenon fascinates, intrigues and creates wonder. Those of last week were produced by a new, small crater formed on the bottom of the New Mouth (formed in 1968), one of the four summit craters. In total, over one hundred rings of gas were emitted into the atmosphere. Since July 20, volcanologists have detected that the outermost part of the crater, on the southern side, collapsed, opening a new "small" hole and thus creating another new vent (learn more by clicking here).
The production of these consistent and almost perfectly shaped rings allows us to participate in another wonderful spectacle that demonstrates the disruptive force of our volcano.
photo by Giò Giusa
