Etna Steals The Show, Japan Gets New Island

There is not a lot of 'new' eruptive activity going on lately, however Sicily's Mt Etna continues to put on some breathtaking displays of lava fountain activity lately. While this is not unusual for Etna, being one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, the shows are quite spectacular.

                                     

And while Etna steals the show, Japan's volcano, Nishino-shima has had a surprise eruption off its coast that started as a submarine eruption, but birthed a new island into existence (much like we were HOPING would occur live on webcam at El Hierro! But alas...).

Other than these occurrences, it is a slow month/week/year for volcanoes. The currently erupting volcanoes are sadly, the usual suspects!