Etna update, 12 May 2011

Final phase of the paroxysm of 12 May 2011, seen in the light of daybreak from Monte Fontane, on the east flank of Etna. Photo taken by Boris Behncke, INGV-CT

On 8 May 2011, renewed mild Strombolian activity started at the pit crater on the eastern flank of the Southeast Crater cone. From 17:00 h (local time = GMT+2) on 11 May, the volcanic tremor amplitude progressivley increased, and around 20:30 lava started to overflow the east rim of the crater. During the following hours, the activity intensified, and shortly before 04:00 on 12 May culminated with lava fountaining, which generated an ash cloud driven south-southeastward by the wind.

The phase of lava fountaining lasted around 2 hours, showing a gradual diminution around 05:45; an abrupt drop in the volcanic tremor amplitude at 06:10 marked the end of the eruptive activity.