Discover the age of Europe’s most famous active volcano
The age of “Mamma Etna”? It is estimated to be between 550,000 and 600,000 years old. This fascinating fact not only tells us much about its history but also about the geological evolution of Sicily and the Mediterranean. But how exactly was Mount Etna formed? And what processes contributed to its formation? Let’s find out together.
Before the volcano: the pre-Etnean Gulf
Initially, in place of “Mamma Etna”, there was a large pre-Etnean gulf, a marine depression. The genesis of Etna is closely tied to the tectonic phenomena of the region. The movement of marine faults beneath the Earth’s surface created friction, generating extremely high temperatures that, over time, transformed the rocks into magma. This overheated, pressurized magma rose through a fracture at the bottom of the gulf, giving birth to an underwater volcano.
The age of Etna since its formation
After about 100,000 years of activity as a shield volcano — a type of volcano with a broad, low profile — Etna began to grow in height. Continuing its eruptive activity, the volcano gradually emerged from the water, eventually becoming the towering mountain we know today.
From shield volcano to stratovolcano
Today, Etna is classified as a stratovolcano, which is a conical volcano characterized by a cone shape and steep slopes. It formed through the accumulation of solidified lava and volcanic ash. Eruptions of this type of volcano are often explosive. The structure of the volcano itself has developed through a layering of materials. This means that Etna is the result of millennia of volcanic activity, alternating between phases of growth, collapses, and new eruptions.
A volcano in constant evolution
Etna is still evolving today. Its periodic eruptions are often spectacular and sometimes explosive. These draw the attention of scientists, tourists, and volcano enthusiasts from around the world. This living, active volcano constantly reminds us of the power of nature and the complexity of the geological phenomena that created it.
Etna’s age, estimated between 550,000 and 600,000 years, tells a fascinating story of geological transformations and the forces of nature. From its origin as an underwater volcano to its current configuration as a stratovolcano, Etna represents one of the most complex and intriguing natural phenomena on our planet. With its ongoing changes and periodic eruptions, the Sicilian volcano is a tangible example of how the Earth is in constant evolution.
