After 23 days of rest, the eruptive activity resumed in the morning of November 15, when the 18th eruptive episode since the beginning of 2011 occurred at the South East Crater 2 (SEC-2). Although the time-interval of calm was the longest of the entire 2011 eruptive sequence, the 18th paroxysm was rather short (peak lasted less than 2 hours) and characterized by lower intensity than the previous eruptive episodes.

As for the preceding instances, the activity started with very low intensity, progressively increased reaching a maximum peak and then suddenly ceased.

Indeed, at 9.00 AM (Local Time; GMT+1) only weak Strombolian explosions were noted at the SEC-2 and from some vents aligned on its southeastern flank. The significant increase of the eruption intensity was registered at around 12.00, with Strombolian explosions that became more vigorous and were accompained by conspicuous ash discharge on the eastern and southeastern sectors of the volcano. Also the emission of a well-fed lava flow started during this phase, which was directed into the Valle del Bove.

The true paroxysmal phase was reached at around 13.00 PM, when the Strombolian ejections shifted to sustained lava fountaining from the SEC-2. This phase abruptly diminished since 13.15, and led to the eruption end at around 13.30.

We are very sorry for the delay of publication of this report, some technical problems during the week did not allow to do this before.

Since about 15.00 PM (Local Time, GMT+2) of October 8, a dense ash cloud rose up from the volcano summit. This new eruptive episode occurred, as the previous ones, at the South East Crater 2, the active vent located at the eastern base of the South East Crater. This was the 16th event since the beginning of 2011.

The very bad weather conditions did not allow a good observation of the eruptive phenomena. However, at around 16.30 PM, a dense ash cloud, caused by the Strombolian/fire fountaining activity at the vent, was clearly visible. Ash fall-out chiefly affected the south-eastern sector of the volcano. At around 17.30 PM, no significant eruptive activity was observed.

A field survey will be conducted on Monday 10 in order to sample the new erupted products and to evaluate possible significant changes of the morphology of the South East Crater 2.