Volcanic activity of Stromboli

Principal activity of Stromboli. It is characterized by periodical explosion of bubbles of magma emitted from the summit craters with jets of lava hundreds of metres long. These are repeated every 15-20 minutes. The activity is accompanied by an almost continuous release of gas.

Considerably more violent explosive activity than normal. Often preceded by major deformations with sudden increase in seismic activity, the convulsions consist of jets of lava, rocky material (piece of the duct), slag, ash and stones (often incandescent) reaching considerable heights and distances.
These explosions can sometimes distort and change the summit area and arrive as far as the inhabited areas (in 1930 they arrived as far as Strombolicchio).
The last occurrence was on 15th March 2007.

Although not the principal activity, this is the one which provides one of Stromboli’s most fascinating spectacles. As it is confined to the area around the Street fire, it does not pose a particular threat to the population, rather a major attraction. It is remarkable to see a river of fire pouring into sea, causing clouds of steam and red reflections in the deep blue of the sea around Stromboli.

The laval flows can appear as magma along the lateral fissures or along the edges of the main craters. In the last century more than 25 of these episodes were recorded along the north-eastern side, or from the principal craters of Stromboli.
last occurrence: August 2014

Since the eruption of 2002-2003 the National Department for Civil Protection cwith the help of the scientific community, has been studying these phenomena in order to predict volcanic activity, especially that which poses a threat to the population. Thanks to the technological innovations in the equipment installed on the island Stromboli has become one of the most closely-monitored volcanoes in the world.