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Flashcards in Mount Etna. Deck (19)
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1
Q

When did the eruptions on Mt. Etna, we study, take place?

A

2003 (erupted frequently between 2001-2003).

2
Q

What type of plate margin has Etna formed on?

A

Convergent. African plate is subducting under the Eurasian plate.

3
Q

Why is Mt. Etna an odd volcano?

A

It is a stratovolcano (composite) on top of a shield volcano. Therefore has both an andesitic and Basaltic magma chambers.

4
Q

What are the characteristics of Andesitic lava?

A

Temp. 800 Degrees Celcius. Has very high silica content makes it more viscous.

5
Q

What are the characteristics of Basaltic lava?

A

Temp. 1200 Degrees Celcius. Low silica content, therefore, is more ‘runny’.

6
Q

What lava erupted in 2003?

A

Basaltic.

7
Q

Where did the Basaltic lava erupt from?

A

Fissures on the flanks of the volcano.

8
Q

What other types of eruption occur on Etna?

A

Phreatic eruptions (steam eruptions) caused by snowmelt water.

9
Q

What proportion of Sicilies population lives on the slopes of Mt. Etna?

A

25%

10
Q

What major international airport was closed due to the 2003 eruptions?

A

Fontorossa international airport.

11
Q

Give an exampe of a holiday resort that was destryoed?

A

Piano Provenzana

12
Q

What is the name of the city directly south of Etna?

A

Catania. population 300,000.

13
Q

Give two example of buildings saved from lava flows?

A

Rifugio Sapienza resort and Linguaglossa school.

14
Q

How were some buildings saved from lava flows?

A

The building of large earth embankments.

15
Q

What financial assistance was given to the area?

A

Tax breaks of over 8 million euros.

16
Q

What else did emergency services do to prevent damage from lava flows?

A

Dropped water from planes onto lava flows.

17
Q

How many people were reported injured?

A
  1. However mostly indirectly. For example. exploding water tank injured some.
18
Q

How could eruption become more serious in the future?

A

Etna acts on a cycle switching between basaltic and andesitic eruptions. Could switch to more dangerous andesitic and lead to events like those seen in Montserrat.

19
Q

In what town were homes destroyed?

A

Town of Santa Verneriana.