Scientists have discovered a new way to predict eruptions at Italy's Mount Etna, by tracking changes deep inside the volcano.
According to a study published in Science on October 8, researchers are monitoring the movement of magma beneath the Earth’s surface using a measurement called the “b value,” which shows the ratio of small-to-large earthquakes. When this value changes, it signals increasing stress in the Earth’s crust and indicates that magma is rising toward the surface.
A new model based on data from 2005 to 2024 found that shifts in the b value can happen months before other warning signs, giving scientists more time to alert nearby communities of a possible eruption.
Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. While it may not be the most dangerous, it continues to fascinate scientists and travelers alike. Recent activity has once again highlighted its unpredictable nature. Over the years, Etna had its fair share of destructive eruptions. Click through the following gallery to learn all about them.