A spectacular satellite image has captured Sicily and the Maltese Islands beneath almost completely cloud-free skies, with one striking feature standing out over eastern Sicily: a plume rising from Mount Etna and stretching southwards across the Mediterranean.

Etna has been experiencing volcanic activity, releasing ash and volcanic gases into the atmosphere. When winds at higher altitudes blow from the north, the Maltese Islands can find themselves directly in the path of the plume.

Despite its name, volcanic ash is very different from the soft ash produced by a fire. It is made up of tiny fragments of rock, minerals and volcanic material, with particles measuring less than two millimetres across. The finest particles can remain suspended in the atmosphere and travel hundreds of kilometres, depending on the height of the eruption and prevailing winds.

This means Etna’s distance of more than 200 kilometres from Malta does not necessarily protect the islands from its effects.

Ash passing over Malta does not always result in visible deposits at ground level. However, higher concentrations can settle as fine, dark dust on cars, windows and other exposed surfaces, while airborne particles can contribute to haze and reduced air quality.

The impact can be even more significant for aviation, as volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines and force flights to change their routes.

Malta has experienced this before. During Etna’s major eruption on 28 October 2002, north to north-easterly winds carried ash towards the islands, where fine black volcanic dust settled visibly on cars and other surfaces.

Historical records also document ash reaching Malta during major eruptions in 1787, 1886 and 1892.

Did you know about these interesting facts?