Stromboli
Stromboli: An Overview
Stromboli is a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the north coast of Sicily, containing one of the three active volcanoes in Italy. It is one of the eight Aeolian Islands, a volcanic arc north of Sicily. This name is derived from the Greek name Strongulē, which was given to it because of its round swelling form. The island's population is between 400 and 850 inhabitants. The volcano has erupted many times, and is constantly active with minor eruptions, often visible from many points on the island and from the surrounding sea, giving rise to the island's nickname, the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean".
Geology and Volcanology
Stromboli's geological structure is essentially a huge stratovolcano composed of layers of lava, ash, and tephra. The volcano has been in nearly continuous eruption for the past 2,000 years. A pattern of eruption is maintained in which explosions occur at the summit craters, with mild to moderate eruptions of incandescent volcanic bombs, at intervals ranging from minutes to hours. This Strombolian eruption, as it is known, is also observed at other volcanoes worldwide. Eruptions from the summit craters typically result in a few short, mild, but energetic bursts, ranging up to a few hundred meters in height, containing ash, incandescent lava fragments and stone blocks.
Stromboli's activity is almost exclusively explosive, but lava flows do occur at times when volcanic activity is high: an effusive eruption occurred in 2002, the first in 17 years, and again in 2003, 2007, and 2013-2014.
The two kilometre wide caldera of the volcano, named 'Sciara del Fuoco' ('Stream of fire'), is a prominent feature of the island, and is a big factor in the island's morphology. It has been filled by numerous eruptions and is currently home to active craters.
Flora and Fauna
Despite the harsh volcanic environment, Stromboli is home to a variety of plants and animals. The vegetation of the island is characterized by the presence of typical Mediterranean species such as olive trees, fig trees, capers and rosemary. The lower parts of the island are covered by typical Mediterranean maquis vegetation, while the higher altitudes are characterized by grasslands and sparse vegetation, due to the volcanic activity.
The island is also home to a variety of bird species, including the peregrine falcon, the rock dove and the storm petrel. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, with various species of fish, crustaceans and molluscs.
Human History
The island has been inhabited for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting human presence dating back to the Neolithic period. The island was likely inhabited by the Ausones, an ancient Italic people, before being colonized by the Greeks in the 4th century BC. During the Roman period, Stromboli served as a navigational landmark for ships sailing to and from the eastern Mediterranean.
In modern times, the island has become a popular tourist destination, known for its spectacular volcanic eruptions and its beautiful landscapes.