Mt. Etna

This posting was inspired by and is dedicated to NGG, Nana's Grand Girl. She is none other than the great Chloe Heavey, who lives in Marietta, GA. When I relocated to Georgia from New Jersey 11 years ago, it was simply because this, my first granddaughter was born on September 26, 1995 early in the morning. Rushing to Georgia from New Jersey and missing her birth by just two hours, I decided within the first week of her life that I must completely change my life around to watch her grow up, with no regrets ever since.

Chloe is now 12, a middle school student, who has achieved straight A's since third grade and aspires to attend Princeton University. She plays academy soccer and is a dependable and loving person to her many friends. She loves her family and her family adores her! In response to my last post, Chloe added a comment, suggesting that I write a blog about volcanoes, so here goes, Chloe...

I am living at 3,000 feet on the southern slope of Mt. Etna in Sicily, Italy in a charming little village, Nicolosi, a town that was historically wiped out by the fury of Mt. Etna hundreds of years ago. The town was rebuilt but Mt. Etna still looms above Nicolosi as a constant reminder of the power that Mother Nature can wield at a whim.

Mt. Etna, at an altitude of almost 11,000 feet, is the largest active volcano in Europe, and one of the largest in the world. Visible from many miles away, its circumference at the base is 150 miles. It is was formed 500,000 years ago as a result of continental drift and the clash of two tectonic plates (shelves). The impact of the two shelves caused compression of magma deep below the sea, spewing forth hot molten lava and gases to form the volcano. Over the centuries, it has remained active, with several major eruptions occurring as recently as 2002. I have personally witnessed red ribbons of lava flow at night, have seen the fiery flashes resembling fireworks that the craters emit, have swept the volcanic ash from the patio, and heard the booms of the explosions. Fortunately it is this very frequent activity and releasing of pressure that keeps the mountain from posing a threat to nearby villages.

There are four main craters at the summit, but the slopes are dotted with lesser cones resembling small mountains or hills, where other smaller eruptions have taken place. The height and appearance of Mt. Etna constantly changes, as new sites of eruptions alter the profile. Every day tons of gases, including sulfur dioxide, are emitted. In 1669 a major eruption almost completely devastated some of the small towns and one major city, Catania. In 1992 partially successful attempts were made to divert the lava flow away from threatened towns in its path.

The lava of Mt Etna, at a temperature of 1000 degrees centigrade, is more fluid than some other volcanoes, allowing gases to escape more quickly. The upside is that it allows the gases to escape more quickly, but the downside is that the lava flows at a greater speed.

The name comes from the Phoenician "attani" (furnace) or the Greek "aitho" (burning), to which is also connected the Latin "Aetna". The mountain has inspired many poets and writers with mythological references. Although the noun for mountain is masculine, Mt. Etna is referred to as feminine.

Although no life is present where recent lava flows have occurred, many life forms are present at areas of old lava flow activity. Many towns and villages dot the slopes and subsist from the culture, the ecosystem, and the mystique of the mountain. The ecosystems vary according to the altitude, from orchards to olive, pistachio, and almond trees, to hardwoods to scrubby broom plants, from bottom to top. Above 6000 feet only very hardy plants survive. Wildlife include porcupines, foxes, rabbits, wild cats, hedgehogs, and vipers. Large birds of prey, including several species of owls, inhabit Mt. Etna.

There is an entire culture that is informed by the volcano, like a goddess present in peoples' everyday lives, a mostly silent presence watching over them. In Nicolosi, there is a very nice volcano museum devoted solely to a very scientific and historical presentation about many aspects of the volcano. Local boutique shops appealing to tourism are filled with all things Etna-esque, including wines, liqueurs, jams, candies made with pistachios and almonds, mushrooms (funghi), and trinkets made from lava. No list would be complete without mentioning the extra virgin olive oil, or as Rachel Ray would call it, "EVOO".

Mt. Etna also provides opportunities for recreation for tourists and locals alike. The Sicilians love to go up in the snow and ski, sled, and build snowpeople. Hiking is very popular, but going with a guide who knows the current conditions is recommended. One can take a cable car and then a jeep-like vehicle to the higher points, lead by a Sicilian guide. At this point, warm lava can be picked up in your hands.

Looking at this splendid mountain, whether snow-covered or not is an experience not to be missed. But make sure you take in all that Etna has to offer.

Chloe, my dear NGG, I hope you learned something about volcanoes!