Climbing an active vulcano

Like an alien world

Sep. 2, 2017 - Willem L. Middelkoop

Last week me and my wife went to Sicily for a little summer holiday. It is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is an autonomous region of Italy, along with surrounding minor islands. It's home to Europe's largest active volcano: Mount Etna. We had a chance to visit this lava spurring monstrosity and it was quite the experience.

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Fresh lava, just a few months old, clearly recognisable

The summit of Mount Etna

Mountaineering like a pro... of sorts. :-)

Overview of tectonic plates (image: USGS)

The view is spectacular.

Our guide, Peppe, uncovers some dark patches on the crater. Steam escapes from it - you can literally feel the heat!

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