Page 177 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sicily

NOR THEASTERN SICIL Y  175

Geologists and Vulcanologists
Mount Etna, without equal in Europe,
has always attracted visitors. Since
the late 1800s it has been the subject
of systematic study by experts.

Geological History of
the Volcano
Even in recent centuries the
appearance of Mount Etna has
altered. In 1865 the summit was
at 3,313 m (10,867 ft); in 1932 First stage, 200,000–100,000 years ago Second stage, 80,000 years ago
it was 3,263 m (10,703 ft); and (Monte Calanna) (Vulcano Trifoglietto)
today it is 3,320 m (10,892 ft) high.
Eruptions in the central crater are
rare, but they are frequent in the
side vents, and here they create
smaller secondary cones.
On the eastern slope of Mount
Etna is a huge chasm known as the
Valle del Bove, the result of an Third stage, 64,000 years ago (the cone Fourth, current stage (the Mongibello
immense explosion. collapses) cone)

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