During the past weeks and months, the volcano has remained relatively calm. Most monitored parameters (seismic, degassing, ground deformation etc activity) have not shown significant variations and are generally around low to moderate levels, typical for most intervals between eruptive episodes.
A slow trend of inflation continues to persist of the edifice, likely reflecting magma accumulation inside the storage areas of the volcano.
The latest monthly summary of the volcano observatory INGV in Catania summarizes the activity as follows:
1) Summit craters show degassing activity at variable intensity, most notably from the western vent in the Bocca Nuova crater, which produces puffing events with audible roars reflecting deep-seated explosions. When observed from the crater rim last week, we could not see ash or solid ejecta leaving the vent.
2) Seismic activity has been overall low, with medium tremor levels.
3) Infrasound (reflecting internal explosive degassing events) has been fluctuating strongly.
4) Ground deformation continues as slow, gradual swelling of the edifice.
5) Degassing from vents and fumaroles, as well as diffuse soil emissions, have been at average levels. Helium isotope ratios have increased to high values compared to the previous month of September 2022. This likely reflects fresh magma at depth.
6) Satellite observations only show low thermal activity at the summit vents.
Overall, the current period of calm is likely not to last very long although it is impossible to predict how long it will take until a new eruptive phase starts again.
