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5th June 2025 (11 Topics)

Mount Etna Eruption

Context

On June 2025, Mount Etna in Italy erupted, producing an enormous ash and gas column visible several kilometres into the sky. While visually dramatic, the eruption caused no injuries or significant disruption, prompting global scientific interest in its eruptive behaviour and geological implications.

Mount Etna Eruption: Understanding the Dynamics of Active Volcanism in Europe

Mount Etna

Geographic Location and Characteristics

  • Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy.
  • Type: Active stratovolcano formed at the convergent boundary of the African and Eurasian plates.
  • Elevation: ~3,357 meters (variable due to eruptions).
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.
  • Historical activity traced back 500,000 years; documented eruptions for ~2,700 years.
  • Features 5 summit craters and over 300 flank vents.
Type of Eruption:
  • Disputed Classification:
    • Strombolian:
      • Caused by gas bubbles in magma.
      • Results in moderate, rhythmic explosions.
      • Typically ejects lava bombs and cinders a few hundred meters.
    • Plinian (as per some volcanologists):
      • Violent eruptions with ash columns reaching the stratosphere.
      • Comparable to Mount Vesuvius (79 AD) or Pinatubo (1991).
    • Column height and ash cloud behavior suggested Plinian characteristics.
Mechanism Behind the Eruption
  • Gas Build-Up: Volcanic gases accumulated in magma chamber.
  • Crater Collapse: Sudden release of pressure caused southeast crater to collapse.
  • Eruption Dynamics: Expanding gas forced out lava, ash, and pyroclasts into the sky.
Impact Assessment
  • Human Impact: No casualties or significant damage reported.
  • Air Travel: Minimal disruption to flights; continuous monitoring helped.
  • Environmental Impact: Potential for localized air pollution due to ash.
  • Climate Concern: If aerosols reach stratosphere, could contribute to temporary cooling.
Disaster Preparedness
  • Real-Time Monitoring by INGV (Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology).
  • Use of satellite systems (Sentinel, MODIS) to track ash clouds.
  • Emergency response protocols already established for Etna's high activity.
Strategic & Scientific Importance
  • Research Significance:
    • Useful for studying gas-driven vs. explosive eruptions.
    • Helps understand tectonic-volcanic interactions in Mediterranean.
  • Comparative Analysis:
    • Offers contrasts with volcanoes in Pacific Ring of Fire, Andes, and Himalayan arc.
  • Early Warning Models:
    • Can be adapted for similar volcanoes in Indonesia, Japan, and Philippines.
Way Forward
  • Scientific Research: Invest in multi-parameter models to distinguish eruption types early.
  • International Cooperation: Engage with IVHHN and UNDRR for global volcanic risk reduction.
  • Public Awareness: Continue to educate locals and travelers about volcanic hazards.
  • Policy Lessons: Learn from Italy’s zoning and monitoring systems to apply in other hazard-prone zones like Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Volcanoes
About Volcanoes
  • A volcano is a vent in the Earth's crust through which molten rock (lava), gases, ash, and steam are expelled.
  • Volcanic activity is part of endogenic processes and is linked to plate tectonics.
  • Eruptions can form different landforms:
    • Explosive eruptions ? volcanic mountains.
    • Gentle eruptions ? lava plateaus.
    • Intrusive landforms ? batholiths, laccoliths, etc.
Magma vs Lava
  • Magma: Molten rock beneath the Earth's surface; originates in the asthenosphere.
  • Lava: Magma that has erupted onto the Earth’s surface.
  • Tools and Methods to Predict Volcanic Eruptions
  • Seismic Monitoring: Detects tremors indicating magma movement.
  • Ground Deformation Tools: GPS, tiltmeters to detect swelling.
  • Gas Emissions Monitoring: Tracks increase in sulfur dioxide (SO?), carbon dioxide (CO?).
  • Gravity and Magnetic Surveys: Identify subsurface changes before eruption.
Types of Volcanoes (Based on Frequency)
  • Active Volcanoes:
    • Erupt frequently; mostly found in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
    • Example: Kilauea (Hawaii), Santa Maria (Guatemala).
  • Dormant Volcanoes:
    • Have not erupted recently but may in future.
    • Example: Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania).
  • Extinct Volcanoes:
    • Show no signs of future activity.
    • Example: Dhinodhar Hill (Gujarat).
Types of Volcanoes (Based on Nature of Eruption)
  • Shield Volcanoes:
    • Broad, gentle slopes; low-viscosity basaltic lava.
    • Less explosive unless water is involved.
    • Example: Hawaiian volcanoes.
  • Composite (Strato) Volcanoes:
    • Formed by alternating lava and pyroclastic layers.
    • Cooler, more viscous lava ? explosive.
    • Examples: Mount Fuji (Japan), Mayon (Philippines).
  • Caldera Volcanoes:
    • Extremely explosive; collapse forms a depression.
  • Flood Basalt Provinces:
    • Large-scale lava flows covering vast areas.
  • Mid-Ocean Ridge Volcanoes:
    • Found along diverging oceanic plates; frequent eruptions.
    • Example: Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Global Distribution of Volcanoes
  • Circum-Pacific Belt (Pacific Ring of Fire):
    • Most active; surrounds the Pacific Ocean.   
  • Mid-World Mountain Belt:
    • Extends from the Mediterranean to the Himalayas.
  • African Rift Valley Belt:
    • Features rift volcanoes due to diverging African plates.
PYQ:

Mains

  1. Mention the global Occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on the regional environment     (2021)
  2. Discuss the formation of hot spots and their role in the distribution of volcanoes over the Earth’s surface.   (2015)

Prelims

1. Consider the following:    (2024)

  1. Pyroclastic debris
  2. Ash and dust
  3. Nitrogen compounds
  4. Sulphur compounds

How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. Only three
  4. All four

2. Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms?   (2011)

  1. Continental drift
  2. Glaciations
  3. Volcanic eruptions

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Verifying, please be patient.

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