WATCH: Mount Etna Puffs Out 'Smoke Rings' in Rare Phenomenon
In a mesmerizing display that captivated onlookers, Mount Etna, Italy's towering stratovolcano, showcased a rare natural phenomenon by puffing out near-perfect circles of smoke into the Sicilian sky. This unusual event occurred after a new crater opened on the volcano's summit, leading to the emission of these so-called 'smoke rings'.
Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, is no stranger to spectacle, with frequent eruptions that light up the night sky. However, the phenomenon of volcanic vortex rings is relatively rare and requires a unique set of conditions to occur. These conditions include a constant release of vapors and gases from the volcano's crater.
Volcanic vortex rings are formed when gas bubbles ascend rapidly through the narrow central part of the volcanic conduit. As these gases push through, they wrap around themselves in a vortex motion, creating rings that are propelled hundreds of meters into the air. The sight of these rings, floating serenely above the mountain before dissipating, is truly a sight to behold.
According to Boris Behncke, a volcanologist with the INGV-Osservatorio Etneo or Etna Observatory, the phenomenon has been observed since the opening of the new crater. Behncke shared insights and footage on social media, highlighting the unprecedented quantities of gas rings emitted by the Southeast Crater.
Though Mount Etna's eruptions are mostly harmless to the surrounding communities, the volcano's activity is closely monitored. Its eruptions can occasionally disrupt air traffic due to ash clouds. In 2013, UNESCO recognized the universal value of Mount Etna by adding it to its list of World Heritage Sites.
While most eruptions of Mount Etna provide a fiery spectacle, the emission of volcanic vortex rings offers a different kind of beauty. It's a gentle reminder of the earth's power and the ability to surprise us with moments of unexpected wonder.
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