Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily, within the territory of the province of Catania and is crossed by the 15th meridian east, which it takes its name. It occupies an area of 1,265 km², with a diameter of 40 kilometers and a base perimeter of about 135 km ''. The volcano is ranked among those defined in the shield which is supported one stratovolcano; its height varies over time because of its eruptions that determine its raising or lowering. Its height is 3,350 m.
Etna has a rather complex structure due to the formation, over time, of many volcanic buildings, however, that in many cases are subsequently collapsed and were replaced, side by side or covered entirely by new eruptive centers. They are recognizable in the "modern phase" of the volcano at least 300 between cones and eruptive fractures
