Encore - Fire and Ice of Mount Etna

August 26, 2017

EtnaeruptionDSCF4308

Today and every Saturday Earth Science Picture of the Day invites you to rediscover favorites from the past. Saturday posts feature an EPOD that was chosen by viewers like you in our monthly Viewers' Choice polls. Join us as we look back at these intriguing and captivating images.

Photographer: Giuseppe Pappa
Summary Author: Giuseppe Pappa; Jim Foster

February 2012 Earth Science Picture of the Day Viewer's Choice The photo above showing a small eruption of Mount Etna on the island of Sicily was captured earlier this week. It was taken near my home in Mascalucia approximately 5.5 mi (9 km) from the base of Mount Etna. In order to enhance the incandescent lava flowing down the volcano's snow-covered flank, I used a 15-second exposure. Mount Etna is Europe's highest volcano at 10,900 ft (3,325 m) and one of its most active. In fact, eruptions have been documented here for about 3,500 years. At this time of year, its slopes are often snow covered. Two separate ski areas on Mount Etna take advantage of the snowy conditions -- the second most southerly ski resort in Europe. Photo taken at 10:20 on the night of February 8, 2012. [Revised August 2017]

Photo Details: Camera Maker: FUJIFILM; Camera Model: FinePix S5600; Focal Length: 38.6mm; Aperture: f/3.5; Exposure Time: 15.000 s; ISO equiv: 200; Software: Digital Camera FinePix S5600 - Ver1.00.