Context

• Recently, the phenomenon of volcanic vortex ring has been seen in Europe's largest volcano Etna.

Key Points

• These rings are made of condensed gases and water vapour. Recently, these rings have been formed due to the rising above the earth of gases and water vapour coming out of the crater of the active volcano Etna.
• It is noteworthy that the hole that is open in the crater of this volcano is almost completely circular, hence the rings seen are also circular.
• Although these rings can remain in the air for up to 10 minutes, but if there is wind and turbulent conditions, they quickly disintegrate.
• Such rings were seen in Etna in the year 1724.

Mount Etna

• It is located off the east coast of Sicily, an island of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Etna has five craters at its summit, which are responsible for most of the volcano's eruptions and hundreds of lateral vents that can produce different types of eruptions, such as explosive, effusive or mixed.
• Mount Etna has been erupting almost continuously since 1500 BC, making it one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
• Etna was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2013.

Other examples of such rings

• Baked Volcano in Guatemala,
• Stromboli in Italy,
• Aso and Sakurajima in Japan,
• Yasur in Vanuatu,
• Whakaari in New Zealand, and
• Momotombo Volcano in Nicaragua

Important Facts For Exam

Italy 

• Capital - Rome
• Continent-Europe
• Geographical location – in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea
• Currency - Italian Lira
• PM :Georgia Meloni