Mount Etna eruption. Ash plumes rising from an eruption taking place in 1892 on the volcano Mount Etna. This eruption is taking place in the volcano's middle crater. Mount Etna occupies the eastern part of the Italian island of Sicily. It is the largest and most active volcano in Europe, and stands 3323 metres above sea level. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. This photograph is from the Bain News Service, one of the USA's earliest news picture libraries.