Mount Etna Erupts

01. Mount Etna spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily January 13, 2011. Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano. REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity. It is the largest active volcano in Europe, currently standing 3,329 metres (10,922 ft) high, though this varies with summit eruptions; the mountain is 21 m (69 ft) lower now than it was in 1981. Etna covers an area of 1,190 km² (460 sq mi) with a basal circumference of 140 km. This makes it by far the largest of the three active volcanoes in Italy, being about two and a half times the height of the next largest, Mount Vesuvius. The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, with vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain and the broad Plain of Catania to the south. And Etna has erupted again. We’ll post new images as we get them so keep tabs on this page if you like volcanic eruptions.

02. Mount Etna spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily January 13, 2011. Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano. REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello

03. Mount Etna spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily January 13, 2011. Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano. REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello

04. Mount Etna spews lava on the southern Italian island of Sicily January 13, 2011. Mount Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano. REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello