Mount Etna releases amazing volcanic rings

Etna is the most active stratovolcano in the world, and once again it has amazed observers with its mesmerizing volcanic vortex rings. These unusual formations resembling smoke rings were captured on video and surprised volcanologists and nature lovers.

"No volcano on Earth produces as many rings of steam as Etna," said volcanologist Boris Behnke of Catania's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. "But now he's breaking all previous records."

Volcanic vortex rings are composed of volcanic gases and condensed water vapor. They are formed when hot water vapor rises from the mouth of a volcano and enters colder air. The temperature difference leads to condensation of steam, forming a ring.

"The steam itself is colorless, but when it reaches the point of condensation, it becomes whitish," explained volcanologist Ana Casas Ramos from the Australian National University. "This is what we see on Etna."

A study published in the New York Times suggests that rings form the same way a dolphin blows rings out of soap bubbles underwater. The gases slow down and swirl around themselves as they are released, creating a characteristic ring shape.

The shape of the crater opening also plays a role in the formation of vortex rings. The correct shape allows the gases to escape evenly, creating stable rings that can rise high into the sky.