Abstract
THE excursion of geologists to the volcanic regions of South Italy came to a very satisfactory conclusion. We have already referred to the first part of the excursion to the Lipari Islands, and the interesting state of activity in which the volcanoes of Vulcano and Stromboli were found to be in. On leaving those islands the party proceeded to examine the Val di Bove, the Cyclopean Islands, the slopes of Etna with its numerous parasitic cones and lava streams, and the central crater itself. The Italian Minister of Public Instruction allowed the party to sleep in the observatory near the mountain summit, and although the weather was rough and misty, about half the party were able to get a good view of the crater, which is now in a solfataric condition. The geologists had also the advantage of becoming acquainted with the mud volcanoes of Paterno. In this part of the excursion the party had the valuble help of Prof. O. Silvestri, to whom Dr. Johnston-Lavis handed over the direction at Etna, although still acting as general director and interpreting Pro F. Silvestri's demonstrations. All along the journey the party were fêted by the prefect of the province and the mayors of the different communes, and found invaluable hospitality in the splendid villa of the Marquis Favara at Biancavilla. The second fortnight of the excursion was spent at Naples and its vicinity, under the direction of Dr. Johnston-Lavis, aided for the sedimentary rocks by Prof. Bassani of the University of Naples. Although the weather was not so favourable as in Sicily, the delay only amounted to two days. Many thanks are due to the mayor of Naples for his hosp tality in providing for the party a splendid steam yacht for their visit to Capri and Ischia, so affording very greatly increased facilities for their excursions. The members gave a day to the examination of the reservoirs and other works connected with the new and most perfect and purest town water supply in Europe, as well as the new drainage works and destruction of the old town of Naples. Although the visit to the crater of Vesuvius had to be delayed for upwards of ten days for suitable weather, the party had the good fortune to see the volcano in great perfection. There existed at the time of the visit four concentric crater rings and two main vents ejecting redhot lava cakes, which the geologists were able to approach within ten yards, after which they descended some distance on the slopes of the great cone to a small lava stream issuing from its sides, at which various experiments were performed. The director, who has visited the crater over sixty times, remarked that he had never but once seen it to greater perfection.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Geological Excursion to the Active and Extinct Volcanoes of Southern Italy. Nature 41, 133–134 (1889). https://doi.org/10.1038/041133a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/041133a0