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The
main attraction on the island, though, is the large crater, known as
the Gran Cratere, that truncates the Fossa cone - the prototype of a
volcanic crater. A field of active fumaroles and extensive sulfur
deposits lies in the northern-central portion of this crater,
providing a thrilling experience for those who dare to walk (or run)
right across the gas plume emitted from the fumaroles. The vivid
stench of sulfur dioxide within the plume is just the most evident
indicator of toxic gases, and it is advisable to stay as briefly as
possible within the plume and better wear a gas mask. Prolonged
stays in the plume may lead to undesirable effects, such as the (irreversible)
loss of the sense of smell.
During the historical period, the Fossa cone and Vulcanello have
been the site of frequent and vigorous eruptions, the most recent of
which occurred in 1888-1890 at the Fossa. More recently, the Gran
Cratere of the Fossa cone has been the site of volcanic unrest (most
notably, an increase of the fumarolic activity) which began around
1985 and ended in 1995 without culminating in an eruption. This
episode of unrest has triggered increased public awareness about the
volcanic risk at Vulcano, and intense studies of the volcano and its
behavior of which the references cited below are only a small
fraction. It is the aim of these pages to present a comprehensive
image of the volcano, its behavior, and hazards. Geological studies
have shown that most eruptions of the Fossa cone have been violently
explosive and produced pyroclastic flows and surges. Future
eruptions have to be expected to be of a similar character. |
