Red Hot Lava Oozes from Mount Etna as Volcano Continues to Erupt

  • 7 years ago
Mount Etna continued to erupt on Tuesday, and the volcano seeped lava onto its slopes. The 10,922 ft high mountain has spewed red-hot, molten lava numerous times in the month of March and Ruptly captured spectacular footage of firy rock moving oozing from the volcano. Volcanoes form when burning lava deep below the earth's surface is pushed upwards by gases, tectonic plates, and other natural forces. Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano and lies between the cities of Messina and Catania.

Although the lava is surely a unique and magnificent site, it is extremely dangerous. The molten rock and metal reaches temperatures of between 1,300 and 2,200 Fahrenheit. Gases escaping from the lava flow can cause bubbles to form and burst, sending molten rock shooting out in different directions. Although active volcanoes are major tourist attractions, they are best appreciated from a wide distance.

Ten people were reportedly injured last week when magma flowed into snow causing a violent explosion which sent stones and rocks flying across slopes according to emergency services. Tourists have been warned to remain vigilant if near the volcano.