The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano was relatively low yesterday (Friday) Regular rockfalls and small pyroclastic flows continued during the day. Activity picked up at about 7 pm.
Seismic activity remained low with a slight increase in hybrid events, some of which triggered rockfalls. There were 4 significant long period earthquakes plus some smaller long period events that didn't trigger the system, but caused small rockfalls. The number of rockfalls and pyroclastic flows decreased from yesterday.
A dense cloud sat at the base of the dome most of the day. For the first time observations were made from the helicopter of the pyroclastic flow and surge deposits in Tuitt's Ghaut. The front of the flow has traveled about 2.7 km down the Ghaut. This flow is made up of coarse debris. The surge of this flow went about 100-200m further and is only 200m from the Paradise River. The upper few hundred metres of the Valley have been stripped of all vegetation. There are one or two burned trees still standing in the deposit. On the straight parts of the Ghaut the surge deposits extend only about 10m wider than the flow, but where the Ghaut bends it is higher on the side, in a bobsled effect.
THE COSPEC measurements seem to reflect a slight reduction in SO2 from the last few days.
The results of the EDM survey of ST. Georges and Windy Hill will be given when processing is completed.
No one should be in Zones A and B and with an increase in activity the pyroclastic flows could reach Bramble Village. The alert level is ORANGE.
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