From 1607 to 2000, Mount Etna emitted around 4.5 km3 of magma. However, 3 km3 was issued in 80 years between 1607 and 1689, and only 1.5 km3 in over 300 years. The duration of some eruptions lasting 10 years and the individual volumes of each eruption (up to 1 km3), are extraordinary parameters for Etna and have never been seen since.
The lava emitted is also quite unique. Locally, it is called “cicirara” lava, meaning “lava with many chickpeas”. This lava is in fact very rich in plagioclase minerals, typically white in colour and abnormal in size (up to 3 cm for each crystal). The end of this century was characterised by the collapse of the summit area of Etna: due to the large volumes emitted in a short time, the roof of the magma chamber below the conduit collapsed, causing the summit craters to implode.
