Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 11 March
to 07:00 12 March 1997
The current alert level is AMBER


Seismic activity at the volcano overnight has been relatively quiet. The only earthquakes which were recorded, occurred during the earthquake swarm which ended at about 4:16 pm yesterday. Rockfall activity dominated the night with the largest signal recorded at 10:57 pm. This event may have been a small pyroclastic flow into the Tar River valley. Low amplitude tremor has been recorded on the Gages seismic station for most of the night.

Overcast conditions with low cloud and mist over the volcano has prevented any good views during the early morning.

The scientific team at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory would like to re-iterate the following points. The volcano remains active and potentially dangerous. The lava dome is currently larger than ever before and shows signs of becoming more active. There are several areas on the eastern and south eastern face which appear very unstable and further pyroclastic flows are likely. Explosive activity similar to the September 17 event and possibly larger is still a distinct possibility. People entering zone C must remain alert, listen to Radio Montserrat and be ready to leave at short notice. Only essential visits should be made. The ash levels in Plymouth are hazardous, and it is extremely important to wear an ash mask when there is ash in the air.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory