Italy, Sicily - Mount Etna

Mount Etna, located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, is the tallest active volcano in Europe. It stands at 3,329 meters, though this height varies with eruptions. The volcano is a significant geological feature, lying above the convergent plate margin between the African and Eurasian plates. Known for its almost constant activity, Mount Etna supports extensive agriculture due to its fertile volcanic soil. It has been designated a Decade Volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Eruptions occur at the summit and flanks, with recent notable activity in December 2015. Monitoring systems help predict volcanic activity by measuring gas emissions.

Which two tectonic plates converge at Mount Etna?

• Nazca and South American plates

• Indian and Australian plates

• Pacific and North American plates

• African and Eurasian plates

What is the significance of Mount Etna's volcanic soil?

• It supports extensive agriculture.

• It is used for construction purposes.

• It is unsuitable for any form of agriculture.

• It is a major tourist attraction.

When was Mount Etna added to the UNESCO World Heritage list?

• June 2013

• December 2015

• March 2010

• August 2008

How many distinct craters are currently at the summit of Mount Etna?

• Five

• Three

• Seven

• Nine

What is the purpose of the multi-component gas analyzer system at Mount Etna?

• To measure the height of the volcano

• To detect pre-eruptive degassing of rising magmas

• To monitor the weather conditions

• To track the movement of tectonic plates