Mt.Etna 2001

1. Mt.Etna 2001

2. Location Located in central Europe off the south west tip of Italy, Mt. Etna is located on the Isle of Sicily. Etna is on the east coast of the island and can be seen from all areas of the island as it the most dominant landscape feature. Mt.Etna 2001 • Etna's location in terms of tectonic activity is complex; it is not located on either a constructive or destructive plate margin and no hot spots are known of. • It is believed that many factors contribute to the volcanic activity in Sicily; these include subduction occurring elsewhere, faults relatively near to the volcano, an unknown hotspot – all of which are theories without substantial backing evidence. In July and August 2001 Mt.Etna erupted form its summit and also from the side in a flank eruption.

3. Cause of Eruption • As the reasons for the existence of the volcano itself are unclear reasons for eruptions are also unclear. • Eruptive activity had been nearly continuous in the summit area since late July 1995. • In early 2001 there had been activity in the SE crater with slow lava extrusion. • This activity was reduced in May/June with the extrusion of only ash. • In July activity increased and became more explosive. • Lava flows extended to up to 2km from the vents. Mt.Etna 2001 • Eruptions occurred violently every 2-4 days throughout June and July. • Until the major eruption began, lasting 24 days from 17 July to late 9 August 2001.

4. Short-term effects • Disruption of traffic; island traffic was disrupted by road closure but the most significant disruption was to air traffic. • Tephra falls; the ash falling covered everything on the island in a black volcanic film making life uncomfortable for inhabitants but also meaning they breathed in the ash. • Damage; whilst damage cover both categories of short and long-term effects much of the damage caused was minor and repairable reasonably quickly. Mt.Etna 2001

5. Long-term Effects • Local Government; the local government in the area came under much criticism for its actions during the time of eruption and its ability to govern effectively remains under speculation. • Damage; whilst much of the damage caused was minor there was some major damage that occurred during the 2001 eruption. Some of which is still undergoing repair, some awaiting repair and some irreparable. Mt.Etna 2001

6. Reasons for Habitation • The 2001 Etna eruption did cause any danger to the inhabitants of Etna, whilst precautionary steps were taken around the village of Nicolosci and surrounding towns and villages they were in no real danger. • The main fissure was at 2100m above sea level and there would have to a sustained lava flow for there to be any real danger. • In the 2001 eruption not pipe evolved sufficiently within the volcano to produce a dangerous amount of lava flow and as a result no lava reached the towns – it is a consensus view that most inhabitants knew this and feared the eruption very little. Mt.Etna 2001 • However, there is now a realisation that the threat of Mt. Etna is still very real and that the Volcano is far form dormant. • Inhabitants are now considering their safety, fearing a greater, more powerful and dangerous eruption. • Their reasons for remaining on the island are centred around two main issues: • (see next slide)

7. Reasons for Habitation… • Farming: volcano ash provides very fertile soils and combined with the Mediterranean climate the conditions for crop growth are ideal – this is the central reason behind the initial habitation of the volcanic island. • Tourism: In a hot Mediterranean climate surrounded by seas Sicily is an ideal holiday area, this is combined with the renowned Italian culture and most importantly the key visitor attraction – the volcano itself. Tourism is now the dominant industry on the island and the most profitable. • Aside form industry reasons fro habitation include the quality of life; whilst South Italy is less developed than the North, the island is an exception… Mt.Etna 2001 • …Many people choose to live the life that the tourists seek and therefore Sicily is a popular retirement area. Their relocation to the island has a multiplier effect on the economy as they tend to be relatively affluent (either from the North or from abroad. • Each of these factors outweigh the threat from any volcanic activity and hence people continue to live on the island.

8. Perception as a Hazard • The volcanic activity of Mt.Etna is perceived as a genuine hazard, it is an active volcano whose actions aren’t entirely predictable. • Hundreds and Thousands of years on the island have caused immense damage to human and physical features which will never be forgotten. Mt.Etna 2001

9. Predictions • The volcanic activity of Etna prior to the main eruption gave indication that a major event was possible. However, this was not certifiable as the volcanic activity may never have reached an amount capable of a major eruption. • In this case the volcanic activity was substantial and the major eruption of Mt.Etna in July 2002 was predicted four days before the actual event. • However, the scale of the eruption could not be predicted and the extent of the potential damaging effects was unknown. Mt.Etna 2001

10. Response • The eruption was predicted four days before it actually occurred allowing local authorities to make a response in terms of protecting the island’s inhabitants. Precautions taken include: • The evacuation of small towns and villages within a perimeter of the volcano considered to be at risk. • Road blocks were set up all around the volcano and access by car was very restricted to any of the surrounding villages. • Access to the volcano was restricted and whilst the authorities could not ban people for walking up to the volcano they ‘advised against it’ Mt.Etna 2001 Despite the action taken the local authorities were heavi9ly criticised for their failure to take decisive action fast enough and many people believed the efforts made were minimal and much was left at risk.