Nature can be both beautiful and terrifying. Mount Etna’s latest volcanic eruption is the perfect example. It began to erupt on February 11 and then continued into the next week! This is not very unusual, of course. Mount Etna is Europe’s largest and most active volcano, after all. Still, folks can’t get enough of the breathtaking views these mountains provide… especially when lava meets snow!
Videos by InspireMore
As the river of lava flows down Mount Etna, it’s doing so right alongside large areas of snow. The juxtaposition between the two is absolutely gorgeous. It’s truly no wonder so many people are flocking to the area to see it for themselves. See some of the best views of this area in the video below!
Because it’s not possible for experts to figure out exactly when a volcano will erupt, sometimes, folks may be nearby. For a group of skiers, the timing of this latest eruption was perfect — they had the chance to safely ski right past the flowing lava!
At Italy’s Mount Etna, Lava Meets Snow in the Most Breathtaking Way
That said, not everyone can get the chance to be that close to the lava. In fact, mountain police in Italy are urging tourists to stay at least 500 meters away from the lava flow. They are also asking those who do visit the area to please do so with a guide.
As beautiful as the snow and lava are together, the two can be dangerous. While rare, in the past, the lava has mixed with snow and ice, causing an explosion. This led to steam, boiling rocks, and boulders being flung into the air. So, if you do get the chance to witness an event like this one in person, please do so at the recommended distance!
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
