Mt. Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, has been putting on a mesmerizing show for spectators in Sicily with its recent display of circular smoke rings. The volcano, often compared to the pipe-puffing wizard Gandalf from “Lord of the Rings,” has been dubbed the Gandalf of volcanoes by onlookers.
According to experts at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology of Catania, Mt. Etna has broken previous records with the frequency of these smoke rings. The phenomenon, known as volcanic vortex rings, occurs when pressure builds up and propels condensed gases, primarily water vapor, through a vent in the crater.
The perfectly circular vent has been producing hundreds of these rings, which can hang in the air for anywhere from one to 10 minutes, depending on weather conditions. While the sight is breathtaking, volcanologist Simona Scollo assures that it does not indicate an imminent eruption.
Ms. Scollo compared the mechanism of the smoke rings to how dolphins blow bubble rings, creating a similar pressure to form a ring. The activity from the new vent is slowing down, and it could cease altogether due to changes in the conduit or a decrease in gas within the vent.
Mt. Etna is not the only volcano to produce these mesmerizing smoke rings, with other volcanoes worldwide, such as Stromboli in Italy and Eyjafjallajökul in Iceland, also showcasing this phenomenon. Despite the beauty of the rings, researchers hope to better understand how volcanoes function in both calm and active times.
