Etna, 8 March 2009

Etna, 8 March 2009, originally uploaded by bmanct.

For a long time there hasn't been much to be said about this eruption that began so powerfully nearly ten months ago and then dwindled so much as to nearly fall into oblivion. But there it is, with a new branch of lava that spilled down late on 7 March 2009, taking a new course much farther north (right), around the impressive shield of lava that had accumulated on Etna's upper east flank in recent months. The shield is well visible for the dark tentacles of lava, still too hot for the snow to remain. A small incandescent spot marks the vent from which the new lava flow is issuing. By nightfall on 8 March, the first surge of lava of the previous night had stopped and cooled, but a new lobe of lava was making its way downslope parallel to it. Much higher up on the slope, just above the small incandescent spot, white vapor and small quantities of dark gray ash are issuing from a vent on the original eruptive fissure, where no explosive activity has been seen since late July 2008. When I took this photo from Monte Fontane, much lower down on the east side of Etna, roaring noises could be distinctly heard - the first noises this eruption is making since last summer. Now the question is, will this eruption once more gain vigor and continue for yet a few more months, or is this the sign of the imminent end: a number of eruptions of Etna in the past have ended with a final, brief upsurge. In a few days we will know ...
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stunning!!!
Thks 4 th'a pic again!!