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Stromboli Volcano Photos

- Lavaflow and tsunami eruption 2002/2003 -


New Year 2002-2003 evening: lava flow on the Sciara del Fuoco

Stromboli: lava flow into the sea Stromboli: lava flow into the sea Stromboli: lava flow into the sea

For the first time since 1985, a lava flow from the craters of Stromboli volcano reached the sea on 28 December 2002. While this first flow was very spectacular and copious, significant activity and thus lava emission lasted only for about 2 hrs. After this prelude, a pause followed on 29 Dec. A new surge of lava appeared on the December, 30,- a day people on Stromboli will never forget.
Contemporaneously with the emerging new flow, parts of the Sciara del Fuoco below the craters collapsed. The resulting landslide produced a huge ash cloud that was transformed into a mud rain, and,- much more dangerous,- a small tsunami that hit and damage parts of the coastline, sending the island into a hysteric crisis.
The new lava flow was emitted from a vent at ca. 500m a.s.l. It was flowing inside the channel-like scar left by the landslide. From land, it was extremely difficult to observe. Only its lowest 100 m, the illuminated fumes above it as well as the delta created at its feet were visible from safe observation points along the rim of the Sciara del Fuoco.
Photos above/ below: taken from 273m a.s.l. close to the rim of the Sciara del Fuoco on the evening of January, 1, 2003.  Happy New Year to all ! 

Stromboli: lava flow into the sea Stromboli: lava flow into the sea Stromboli: lava flow into the sea

3 January 2003: Sciara del Fuoco at daybreak

Stromboli: lava flow into the sea Stromboli: lava flow into the sea Stromboli: lava flow into the sea

After a day of bad weather, a bright sunny and very windy day waits for us on 3 January. We decide to observe the lava flow from the same point as previously. Wind drives the smoke horizontally above the water to the E, allowing views of the still vigorously active delta.
Note: islands of Salina and Filicudi in the background and light traces of passing ships.

Stromboli: lava flow into the sea

The green winter landscape on Stromboli. Abundant rainfall during the past days have effectively cleaned the vegetation from their dirty coating of ash. Once again, the splendid winter colors of Stromboli appear as we enjoy our walk back to the deserted village.

Stromboli: lava flow into the sea

Stromboli: lava flow into the sea