Etna Lava Tubes Project was born with the aim of spreading knowledge of little-known or unpublished Etna caves. Natural phenomena among the most fascinating of our volcano. Many texts report that on Etna there are at least 260 known caves. In reality the formation of lava tubes is very common and the number of caves is destined to increase considerably. Below we report a census of little-known caves - for which information is not available elsewhere - or unpublished discovered by our team in particular by the founders of EtnaExcursion.it Dario & Paolo Teri. During an exploratory campaign that began "for fun" in 2018 and still (April 2023), about 70 have been found, not considered in the general count indicated above. Here we report only those considered most interesting from a naturalistic point of view. For the caves already surveyed we recommend a visit to EtnaNatura.it and Mungibeddu.it
Nearest known location: Dagala dell'Orso – Grotta Carlotta
Exploration: Only visitable with helmet and lights.
Taken over by: Piera D'Arrigo and Carlotta Villa on 7.6.2021.
Explored by Dario and Paolo Teri (on 1.7.2021)
Notified to the relevant municipality on \\
This is a classic lava flow cave that can be easily accessed from at least a couple of collapses in the vault, two of which are accessible. The cavity extends over several channels that branch off from the main one – on average a couple of meters high – which after about 70/80 meters turns left and leads to a larger room 4/5 meters high. There are classic speleothems due to the viscoelastic movement of the lava, such as dog's teeth (more correctly lava pendants), flow streaks and rolls. On the main passage, near a second opening that lets a lot of light into the interior, we note the presence of the remains of a small, almost stuffed fox, evidence of the use of these caves as a den by these mammals. The name was given by hikers, sisters-in-law in fact, who found it on their way. The cave, which is not registered or reported by men or other elements of human passage, could however be known to shepherds in the area. Not far away, just 30 meters as the crow flies, is Grotta Carlotta, another interesting cave that could be connected to this lava tube by a lateral channel (narrow) that bends in the direction of this. A more accurate exploration could allow us to dispel this doubt. At the time of exploration there was no sign or evidence of human passage. The cavity is probably known to the shepherds of the area, however the difficulty of access must have precluded its visit or use as with other cavities.
Dario Teri October 3, 2021 Unseen & Little-Known Etna Caves No Responses
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How are volcanic caves formed?
Lava tubes are very common on Etna. They form during an eruption ...
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16th August 2023 – On August 14th there was a paroxysm (a “lightning” eruption) from the summit craters which has already ended. Everything falls within the normal Etna phenomena. There is no danger for the population and visitors. The excursions are taking place regularly. GO TO NEWS