Style

Etna does not really have a definite classification of which type of volcano it is. The main arguement about its classification is that it is either a strato volcano of a shield volcano. MOunt etna is also considered a continental volcano.

Geologic location

Mount Etna is located in Sicily Italy and is right next to the Catania. Etna is was formed right between the European and African plates,those plates are currently pushing towards each other due to convection currents.

Eruption history

Etnas most recent eruption was may 10th 2008 it was a mild eruption as it sent 5km lava flows into the Valle del Bove. Mount etnas most famous eruption would probably be the one in 1669 in which lava flowed as far as the city of Catania. There has been around 200 eruptions in etnas history

Volcano shape

Mount Etna is 11,000 feet tall. The shape of the volcano is a composite volcano. Etna consits of 2 craters, voragine and Bocca Nuova. Etna doesnt really have any famous or explosive volcanos surronding it.

Eruption style

Mount Etna is like many other volcanos in that it has basaltic lava. Etna also is defenitly considered explosive,it is the most active volcano in the world and has the longest period of recorded eruptions in the world. Mount Etna's main hazards consist of: Seismic activity, basaltic lava flows, collapsing of flanks that can cause avalanches or debris and ash, and dangerous ash falls.

Enviornmental Dangers and Benefits

Etna is extremely unpredictable, and when it does erupt it destroys roads powerlines. Etna usually makes large agricultural impacts as well. These efects include the destruction of crops which directly effects the local economy. Which can cause low production and can cause possible job loss. Aside from the enviornmental dangers that the etna can cause it also can cause benefits. The largest benifit that etna provides is that when the lava is broken down it creates very fertile soil. The favorable climate then causes successful growing seansons.

Links

To learn more about mt Etna check out:
http://www.volcanolive.com/etna.html

http://www.destination360.com/europe/italy/mount-etna.php

http://www.whistlerarenal.blogspot.com

Bibliography

Seach, John. "Mt Etna Volcano." http://www.volcanolive.com/etna.html. 27 Mar. 2009 http://www.volcanolive.com/etna.html.

Ball, Jessica. "Mount Etna- Italy." http://geology.com/volcanoes/etna/. 27 Mar. 2009 http://geology.com/volcanoes/etna/.

David Ritchie & Alexander E. Gates

"Encyclopedia of Earthquakes and Volcanos" page 69