Mount Etna is a stratified volcano that stands at the top of Europe as the highest active volcanic peak.
Etna is located on the east coast of the Italian island of Sicily, right between the cities of Catania and Messina, at the top of the marginal convergence plates, between Africa and Eurasia. Mount Etna is currently 3,329 meters high, but its height changes slightly with volcanic activity and eruptions. It is also the highest peak in Italy and the southern Alps and is also one of the three largest volcanic mountains in Italy, which is at least 2.5 times higher in height than its next mountain. Mount Etna, in addition to holding a record in Europe, is also one of the most active volcanic mountains in the world and can be said to be in a relatively permanent activity.
Other features of Mount Etna include a remarkable area of 1190 square kilometers and a circumference of 140 kilometers. The fertility of the volcanic soils of Etna is such that it enables a wide range of agricultural activities around the mountain. Today, more than 25% of the population of the island of Sicily lives on the slopes of Mount Etna, and this mountain plays a major role in the island’s income, both in agriculture and tourism.
Of course, when the name of the mountain comes up, the first entertainment is mountaineering. There are two main points to move to conquer and climb Mount Etna:
• Sapinza:
From this point to Mount Etna, you can climb or use the cable car and go to an altitude of 2900 meters. From this height to the summit itself, you have a 2 to 4 hour journey ahead. Of course, you do not need such a walk to understand the splendor of Mount Etna.
• Etna Rolling:
From this point you can fall on foot or use 4X4 buses to reach an altitude of 2400 meters. From here you can walk to the summit. If you are going to get out of your cable car, you must have the following clothes and facilities: Suitable boots, long pants, a pair of warm clothes, hat, gloves and waterproof jacket. Also make sure you bring some water and food with you.
The plants in Etna can be divided into three main categories depending on the height:
Plants that are at altitudes below 1000 meters and include a collection of Mediterranean plants. The plants and trees of this section are often created by humans and for agricultural purposes: orange orchards, vineyards, olive trees, pistachios, etc. are among them. Among the native plants of the region, evergreen oak, a kind of eucalyptus, black hornbeam, fragrant leaves, ornamental mulberry, Turkish oak, etc. can be seen.
Another is plants that grow between altitudes of 1000 to 1500 meters and these are also Mediterranean. Trees such as pine, silver birch, European beech, trembling spruce, oak trees and a bush of hazelnut trees can be seen.
Finally, the plants include high points, between 1500 and 2400 meters. This area, right on the edge of the vegetation, contains the most striking and unique part of the Etna plants. The native species of Etna (Astragulus Siculus) can be seen significantly in these heights. Other plants and shrubs in the area include barberry, juniper, wild violet and wild and mountainous roses.
Above 2400 meters, there are a number of small and mountainous shrubs that are resistant to very low winter temperatures and severe summer droughts.
Mount Etna is home to a variety of animals and birds.
Mammals: Although large mammals of Mount Etna, such as wild boar, deer, and wolves, have become extinct due to overhunting, more than 40 species of mammals still live in the Mount Etna area. These include: foxes, mink, mice, squirrels, hedgehogs and hedgehogs. The large population of small animals encourages the migration of larger predators to the area.
Birds: It might be interesting to know that there are more than 200 species of birds, with many birds of prey in Mount Etna. Birds such as hawks, ravens and golden eagles are among the most interesting.
Reptiles and amphibians: Frogs, toads and turtles can be found in seasonal streams and lakes of Etna. There are more than 40 species of reptiles living in the nature of Mount Etna, most of which are harmless to humans. Of course, there are also a number of venomous snakes in Etna Park, which unfortunately have increased in recent years.
Arthropods: Spiders, bees, butterflies, crickets, locusts, dragonflies and ants are among the arthropods found in the nature of Mount Etna.
The strongest recorded eruption of Mount Etna dates back to 1669, when the eruption of Mount Etna destroyed part of the summit and the lava flows of Mount Etna erupted from the sides of the mountain and reached the sea and the city of Catania. It covered a total distance of 16 km!
According to the history of Mount Etna, Mount Etna has been selected by the United Nations as one of the 16 volcanic mountains of the last decade, which means that this mountain has a significant position in terms of history and scientific value. Also, in June 2013, Mount Athena was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It may be interesting to know that according to Greek mythology, Zeus, the god of gods, was able to trap the deadly monster Typhon under Mount Etna. Such stories show how much Etna has long been popular.
