Context:
Volcanic Vortex Rings (VVR) observed from the Mount Etna
Volcanic Vortex Rings:
- Also known as – Volcanic Smoke Rings
- Formation – Generated when gas, predominantly water vapor, is released rapidly through a vent in the volcanic crater.
- The rings can remain in the air for up to 10 minutes, but tend to disintegrate quickly if conditions are windy and turbulent.
- First observed at – Etna and Vesuvius in Italy in 1724
- Etna’s frequency of producing these rings surpasses that of any other volcano on Earth.
- In more recent times, the phenomenon is observed at – Volcanoes such as Redoubt in Alaska, Pacaya in Guatemala, Stromboli in Italy, Aso and Sakurajima in Japan, Yasur in Vanuatu, Whakaari in New Zealand, and Momotombo in Nicaragua etc.
- However, despite their impressive appearance, the presence of these rings does not necessarily indicate an imminent volcanic eruption.
Mt Etna:
- An active volcano, located on the east coast of Sicily (Italy), the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
- It is the largest volcano of Europe.
- Part of – Mid-continental Volcanic Belt.
- Has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in Indian territory.
2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct. The Barren Island lies about 140 km from Port Blair. Great Nicobar is further South to it.
Statement 3 is not correct. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 2018.
