This children’s article, Mount Etna erupts again in Italy, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children practise reading and comprehension, learn exciting vocabulary, and discover amazing natural events happening around the world. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
The volcano that keeps on rumbling
Mount Etna, a volcano in southern Italy, has erupted again this week. It sent clouds of ash and smoke high into the sky over the island of Sicily. But don’t worry, it’s not as dangerous as it might sound.
Etna is the most active volcano in Europe, and it’s no stranger to eruptions. This is the second time it’s woken up with a bang in just two weeks!
What exactly happened?
Early on Monday morning, Italy’s volcano experts noticed something strange. They recorded little earthquakes and explosions under the mountain. Then, plumes of volcanic ash started rising from the crater. A red alert was issued to warn planes in the area, but flights are now back to normal.
The eruption happened on the south-east side of the volcano, near a 200-metre-wide vent. A mix of ash, rock and gas flowed quickly down the mountain. This is called a pyroclastic flow, which can often be very dangerous, but luckily, this flow didn’t head towards any towns or villages. Because if it did, there’s nothing you can do to stop it, you just need to get out of there!
Why do volcanoes erupt like this?
This type of eruption is known as a Strombolian eruption. It happens when gas builds up inside the volcano, just like bubbles in a fizzy drink. When the gas bursts, it throws lava and ash into the air with an almighty boom!
These eruptions can look dramatic, but they are usually small and not very dangerous. Even so, scientists are watching Mount Etna closely to keep everyone safe.
Where is Mount Etna?
Mount Etna is on the island of Sicily, which sits just off the south coast of Italy. It’s the biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Etna has been erupting for thousands of years and is still growing. It’s even taller than some mountains in the Alps.
If you want to see what it looks like right now, you can check out a live webcam.
Article vocabulary list
- Volcano – A mountain that can explode with lava, ash, and gas from inside the Earth
- Eruption – When a volcano bursts and sends out lava or ash
- Ash – Tiny pieces of rock thrown into the air during a volcanic eruption
- Crater – The bowl-shaped top of a volcano
- Vent – An opening where lava, gas, or ash comes out
- Pyroclastic flow – A very hot mix of ash, gas, and rock that moves quickly down the side of a volcano
- Strombolian eruption – A type of volcanic eruption with bursts of lava caused by gas bubbles
- Mediterranean – The sea between Europe, Africa, and Asia
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Where is Mount Etna?
A) In northern Italy
B) On the island of Sicily
C) In France
Answer: B) On the island of Sicily
2. What is a pyroclastic flow?
A) A lava fountain that glows in the dark
B) A very hot mix of ash, gas, and rocks
C) A stream of melted snow
Answer: B) A very hot mix of ash, gas, and rocks
3. What is a Strombolian eruption like?
A) A gentle rain of lava
B) Bursts caused by gas bubbles
C) A silent flow of ash
Answer: B) Bursts caused by gas bubbles
4. Did flights get cancelled?
A) Yes, all flights were stopped
B) Only flights from Rome
C) No, most flights continued as normal
Answer: C) No, most flights continued as normal
5. How often does Mount Etna erupt?
A) Very rarely
B) Quite often
C) Only once a year
Answer: B) Quite often
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
