Iddu

"Strombolian" activity is today a generic term used to describe mild

explosive activity producing pyroclasts (molten rocks) and ash. The

explosions are caused when bubbles of gas burst explosively at the

top of the conduit. These gas pulses together with the continuous

lower level degassing result in estimated emission of 6-12 thousand

tonnes of gas per day. The name strombolian results from persistent

observation of such activity at Stromboli volcano.

Stromboli volcano is also known as the Lighthouse of the

Mediterranean. Historical accounts dating as far back as the report of

Timaeus in the 4th century BC describe activity at the volcano. The

accounts are however not accurate enough to unequivocally ascribe

a particular eruption style thereto. By studying layers of volcanic

deposits and carbon dating organic materials trapped therein

determined that the onset of strombolian activity probably occurred in

the 3rd to 7th century AD. Before then, it appears that the volcano

was highly active between the 4th century BC and 1st century BC,

with strombolian periods intermingled with episodes of intense lava

fountaining which emplaced discrete decimeter thick layers of lapilli

on the flanks of the volcano. People call the volcano "IDDU" that in

dialet of Sicily means "HE".