New Fracture Opens on Mount Etna, Causing Explosion and Lava Flow
Listen to the story
A new fracture has opened on Mount Etna, the famous volcano in Sicily, Italy.
The fracture caused an explosion and a flow of hot lava down the mountain.
Etna is known as one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and it erupts often.
This new activity is part of an ongoing eruption on the volcano.
The eruption has already started to cause problems for air travel in the area.
Catania airport, which is close to Etna, has introduced new flight restrictions.
Only 10 flights will be allowed to arrive at the airport every hour.
This limit will stay in place until 12 pm tomorrow.
Authorities have also closed several air sectors around the volcano.
These are parts of the sky where planes are normally allowed to fly.
The closures are meant to protect planes from volcanic ash and other dangers.
Volcanic eruptions can send ash high into the sky, which is dangerous for aircraft engines.
Because of this, airports near volcanoes often reduce flights during eruptions.
It is not yet clear how long the disruption at Catania airport will continue.
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation on Etna closely.
Vocabulary10 words
- fracture
- a crack or break in the ground
- explosion
- a sudden burst of energy, often loud
- lava
- very hot melted rock from a volcano
- eruption
- when a volcano sends out lava, gas, or ash
- restrictions
- rules that limit what people can do
- air sectors
- parts of the sky used for flying
- volcanic ash
- tiny bits of rock and dust from a volcano
- aircraft
- another word for airplane
- disruption
- a problem that stops something from working normally
- authorities
- people or groups in charge, like the government
Quiz
Answer key
1. A new fracture and eruption on Mount Etna 2. Until 12 pm tomorrow 3. To protect planes from volcanic ash
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A new _____ has opened on Mount Etna, the famous volcano in Sicily, Italy.
The fracture caused an _____ and a flow of hot _____ down the mountain.
Etna is known as one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
This new activity is part of an ongoing _____ on the volcano.
Catania airport, which is close to Etna, has introduced new flight _____.
Only 10 flights will be allowed to arrive at the airport every hour.
Authorities have also closed several _____ around the volcano.
The closures are meant to protect planes from _____ and other dangers.
Because of this, airports near volcanoes often reduce flights during eruptions.
Local _____ continue to monitor the situation on Etna closely.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen or visited an active volcano? What was it like?
- Why do you think volcanic eruptions can be dangerous for air travel?
- What other natural events can disrupt flights?
- How do you think local communities near Etna feel during eruptions?