About Pantelleria
Pantelleria is a shield rising to 836 meters (2,743 feet) in Italy's European Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1891 CE. The volcano has produced 9 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Pantelleria is located in Italy, within the Sicily Volcanic Province of the broader European Volcanic Regions. Situated at 36.77° N, 12.02° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 836 meters above sea level, Pantelleria is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a shield, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Pantelleria is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Pantelleria in Italy generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality. The dominant rock type is rhyolite, a silica-rich volcanic rock associated with highly viscous magma. Rhyolitic eruptions can be extremely explosive and are responsible for some of the largest volcanic events in Earth's history, including supervolcanic caldera-forming eruptions. The high silica content traps dissolved gases, building enormous pressure that can lead to catastrophic explosive releases.
Eruption History Summary
Pantelleria has 9 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 7050 BCE to 1891 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 1891 CE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings.
Significance
With 9 recorded eruptions on file, Pantelleria has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior.
GVP Reference Summary
The island of Pantelleria is constructed above a drowned continental rift in the Strait of Sicily and has been the locus of intensive volcano-tectonic activity. Two large Pleistocene calderas dominate the island, which contains numerous post-caldera lava domes and cinder cones and is the type locality for peralkaline rhyolitic rocks, pantellerites. The 15-km-long island is the emergent summit of a largely submarine edifice. The 6-km-wide Cinque Denti caldera, the youngest of the two calderas, formed about 45,000 years ago and contains the two post-caldera shield volcanoes of Monte Grande and Monte Gibele. Holocene eruptions have constructed pumice cones, lava domes, and short, blocky lava flows. Many Holocene vents are located on three sides of the uplifted Montagna Grande block on the SE side of the island. A submarine eruption in 1891 from a vent ~4 km off the NW coast is the only confirmed historical activity.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
9 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1891 | 1 | Confirmed Eruption | Foerstner (4 km NNW of Pantelleria) |
| 1891 | — | Uncertain Eruption | South of Pantelleria |
| 1831 | — | Uncertain Eruption | Off the northern coast |
| 1080 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Hingeline vent system |
| 4430 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Cuddia Randazzo |
| 4550 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Serra della Fastuca |
| 5610 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Punta Tracino |
| 6130 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Cuddia Patite ? |
| 7050 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Cuddia di Mida, Valenza |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Pantelleria
Is Pantelleria an active volcano?+
Pantelleria is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1891 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Pantelleria last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Pantelleria occurred in 1891 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Pantelleria has 9 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Pantelleria?+
Pantelleria has a summit elevation of 836 meters (2,743 feet) above sea level. At 836 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Pantelleria?+
Pantelleria is classified as a Shield. Shield volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Pantelleria located?+
Pantelleria is located in Italy, in the European Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Sicily Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 36.770° latitude, 12.020° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Pantelleria?+
Pantelleria can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Italy may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
