Blast of lava last September in a "strombolian" eruption at southern Italy's Stromboli volcano.
Italy’s Stromboli volcano north of Sicily produced spectacular lava flows and plumes of ash that soared high above the island that shares its name.
The volcano has been in a nearly continuous state of eruption since 1934, but the latest activity was so intense that it frightened even long-term residents of Stromboli.
Mayor Marco Giorgianni had to assure the island's 500 inhabitants that they were not at risk.
Vulcanologists added that the small explosions causing concern were due to large bubbles of the lava that were popping as they rose through the volcanic conduit beneath the island.
Such activity is actually called “strombolian” — a term derived from that particular volcano’s activity.
The latest explosions had been occurring at intervals of only about 30 minutes, sparking concerns.
Photo: Flickr - Josep Bote