In addition to the four imposing main craters and nearly 300 side craters, Mount Etna also hosts a series of other unique geological formations. We have already talked about some of them. In this article, you can discover even more about the geological formations of Mount Etna.
Lava Caves
A lava tunnel forms during an eruption when a crust develops on the surface of the lava that flows slowly over flatter ground. The lava can continue to flow hot beneath this crust, creating lava caves. On Mount Etna, about 190 lava tunnels are known, often discovered by chance, but there are likely many more.
Geological formations: the basalt columns in the Alcantara Gorges
The Alcantara River forms the boundary between the volcano and the rest of Sicily, on the northern slope of Mount Etna. In some places, the river cuts up to 25 meters deep into the volcanic rock, creating the spectacular Alcantara Gorge. Here, bizarrely twisted lava columns in pentagonal or hexagonal shapes twist in all directions.
These strange shapes probably formed about 8,000 years ago when lava flows ran over the Alcantara River. The slow cooling of the lava allowed the formation of prismatic columns, with hexagons and other polygons developing from the surface inward.
Pāhoehoe Lava
Pāhoehoe lava forms when lava flows very slowly and begins to cool on the surface, creating a kind of skin. Under this surface, the lava remains hot and continues to flow, shifting and compressing the outer crust. This phenomenon is typical of Pāhoehoe lava, a thin-bodied basaltic lava.
Lava Trees
Lava trees, also known as petrified stones, are another geological spectacle of Mount Etna. These formations occur when molten lava meets large trees. The lava flows around the tree trunk, cools upon contact, and solidifies. The part of the tree exposed to the air burns away, leaving only a crust of lava that takes the shape of the trunk. These remnants, called lava trees or petrified stones, can be found in various locations on Mount Etna, such as the southern slope near Monte Nero degli Zappini and in the Northeast at Piano Provenzana.
Geological Explorations on Mount Etna
Mount Etna offers numerous opportunities to explore its geological wonders. The lava caves, basalt columns of the Alcantara Gorge, Pāhoehoe lava formations, and unique lava trees tell the story of a constantly evolving volcano. Exploring these formations allows for a better understanding of volcanic processes and an appreciation of the power of nature.
________
In conclusion, Mount Etna is not just an active volcano but also an open-air museum of unique geological formations. Every visit offers the opportunity to discover something new and surprising about one of the world’s most fascinating volcanoes.
