Lava & Limitations

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Etna's tremor in real time

Etna Tremor: Real Time Monitoring

Volcanic tremor is a fundamental indicator of the internal activity of Etna. Thanks to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), we constantly monitor the seismic signals coming from the volcano to predict possible eruptions or phases of increased activity. In the graphic below provided by INGV, you can see a real-time representation of Etna's tremor. This graph is divided into zones of different colors that represent the levels of volcanic activity.

Green Zone (Low Activity):

• Intervallo: From 10^(-1) to 10^0 mV.
• Significato: During this phase, the volcano shows minimal or almost no activity. Excursions can take place without limitations, allowing you to explore the highest areas of Etna in complete safety.
• Period in Graphics: The black line remains within this area for a long time, indicating a prolonged phase of quiet or low activity.

Yellow Zone (Moderate Activity)

• Intervallo: From 10^0 to 10^1 mV.
• Significato: The volcano is starting to show signs of increased activity. This level requires careful assessment of conditions before hiking to the summit. Some restrictions may be necessary to ensure safety.
• Period in Graphics: Several peaks exceeding the green zone are observed, with short periods of moderate tremor, which indicate phases of intensification of volcanic activity.

Red Zone (High Activity)

• Intervallo: Over 10^1 mV.
• Significato: Volcanic tremor is high, which may be indicative of imminent or ongoing eruptive activity. At this stage, access to summit areas is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
• Period in Graphics: Towards the end of the graph, the black line rises sharply into the red zone, indicating a phase of high activity, probably related to eruptive phenomena or an intensification of the volcano.

Real-time simulation of volcanic ash dispersion

Volcanic activity, especially explosive eruptions, can release large amounts of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, which can travel hundreds of kilometers, impacting air traffic and daily life in the surrounding areas. Simulating volcanic ash dispersion in real time is a crucial tool for monitoring and predicting ash cloud behavior and assessing associated risks. These predictive models provide indications of areas potentially affected by ashfall, contributing to public safety, operational decisions and emergency management, especially for air traffic.

Fonte: INGV Volcanic Ash Deposit

Each color represents a different density of ash deposited on the ground, measured in milligrams per square meter (mg/m²) and grams per square meter (g/m²). Airplane symbols: These represent nearby flight paths or airports, suggesting that ash dispersion could impact air traffic.

Air Dispersion Simulation

This map shows the cumulative ash cloud in the atmosphere. Green colors indicate the presence of ash suspended in the air. The extent of the ash cloud is plotted on the map to predict where the cloud might move based on weather conditions, especially winds. Again, airplanes are reporting potential interference with air traffic. If a plane is in the path of the ash cloud, there may be risks related to visibility and engine operation.

Volcanic risk and restrictions

Excursion Restrictions and Safety

Etna Lava always operates in accordance with the official guidelines and regulations established by the competent authorities. The safety of our hikers is our top priority. At all times, we monitor volcanic activity in collaboration with the INGV, ensuring that excursions take place only within permitted limits and in complete safety.

When Etna enters a phase of increased activity, our expert guides are trained to adapt the route and offer you an alternative, but always exciting experience. You will not have to worry about a thing: our team is constantly updated and ready to ensure that you can enjoy the beauty of Etna without taking risks.

Respect the Volcano

Etna is a living and ever-changing entity. Respecting its phases of activity means respecting nature itself. Our excursions are designed to offer you the best possible experience, without compromising safety. Every time you come with us to Etna, you can be sure that we move within the established limits and that your adventure will be safe, exciting and respectful of the environment.

Fonte: Civil Protection Sicily

Alert levels

Etna Lava guides are always in contact with a system that sends alert messages in case of volcanic activity. This automatic system is activated when certain limits are exceeded, warning of possible impacts on the Etna territory. In this way, the guides can always guarantee safe excursions, adapting the routes based on the volcano's activity.

Alert levels for Etna volcano activity

• F0 - Low probability:: At this stage, Etna's activity is low or completely absent. Excursions can take place without particular restrictions. It is the ideal time to explore Etna in all its beauty, up to the highest areas.
• F0 - Low probability:: At this stage, Etna's activity is low or completely absent. Excursions can take place without particular restrictions. It is the ideal time to explore Etna in all its beauty, up to the highest areas.
• F0 - Low probability:: At this stage, Etna's activity is low or completely absent. Excursions can take place without particular restrictions. It is the ideal time to explore Etna in all its beauty, up to the highest areas.

LIVE webcams

Thanks to the webcams integrated on our site, you can observe Etna in real time from different angles. Whether you want to monitor the volcanic activity, admire the breathtaking landscape or simply check the weather conditions before your excursion, these webcams offer you a privileged window on the highest active volcano in Europe. A chance to feel the energy of Etna, even from afar!

Have we convinced you to explore the volcano only accompanied by a volcanological guide? Choose your experience and book!