Etna has decided to keep up the pace this month -- after multiple impressive lava fountains last week, the volcano took a short breather than included some small explosive eruptions from the summit craters. However, last night the New Southeast Crater unleashed another barrage of explosive eruptive activity. The Osservatorio Etneo report on the eruption noted more tall (hundreds of meters) lava fountains, lava flows and heavy ash/scoria fall on the slopes of the volcano. Dr. Boris Behncke posted some fabulous raw video of the activity, showing the towering lava fountains throwing volcanic bombs far from the crater and part of the way through the video, you can see small lava flows (see above) snaking away from the crater as well. Earlier on the morning of March 5, before this activity started, Boris was able to fly over the area and got a great shot of the new lava flows contrasted with the white summit snows. While you're at it, Etna Walk also posted some video of the March 5-6 activity that really captures the energy of the eruption, with roaring fountains of lava. Unlike the earlier fountains events from the New Southeast Crater, this activity was occurring concurrently with more minor explosive activity at the reactivated Voragine summit crater.
Be sure to keep an eye on the webcams for the next volley from Etna.
