ROME.- The Italian volcano Etnathe most active on the European continent, expelled thousands of “smoke rings”, an “extraordinary” phenomenon which could be seen from the nearby areas of the crater and the city of Catania, on the island of Sicily.
According to volcanology experts, this occurs when they are formed when the volcano releases gas at high speed through a narrow and very cylindrical conduit. The phenomenon had also occurred in July of last year, but with less intensity. In this opportunity, The volcano has already released thousands of these “smoke rings”.
When hot volcanic gases are suddenly released from the vent, the gases rush into the atmosphere and create a cloud, similar to airplane contrails. While “smoke rings” have been documented at volcanoes around the world, multiple exhibitions like the one happening now on Etna are extremely rareexperts say.
Etna, at 3,320 meters above sea level, is the largest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world.
AFP and AP Agencies