Rockfalls and small pyroclastic flows have dominated activity over the reporting period.
The broadband seismic network recorded a total of 69 rockfall signals during the past 24 hours, a slight decrease on the number recorded yesterday. The rockfalls continue to occur both on the White River and Tar River side of the dome. Seventy percent (70%) of the rockfalls today were over the Galway's Wall. There were 25 long-period earthquakes, of which 17 triggered rockfalls. One (1) volcano-tectonic earthquake and 2 hybrid earthquakes were also recorded today. Two regional tectonic events were also recorded by the seismic network.
Poor weather and low cloud have restricted views of the dome complex today. The rockfall activity indicates that there is continuing growth in the southern part of the complex.
No GPS or EDM surveys were carried out today. The COSPEC instrument is still in Canada undergoing repair.
The volcano remains dangerous, and only essential visits should be made to the evacuated zone. People should wear masks when in the ashy areas. The Tar River and White River valleys are extremely dangerous, and should not be entered under any circumstances.
Lloyd Lynch from the Seismic Research Unit returned to Montserrat today for another tour of duty. He will be taking over from Simon Young as Chief Scientist. Brian Baptie of the BGS left today after a 1 month tour of duty with Team Seismic. Gill Norton (BGS) completed her three and a half month tour of duty today and left Montserrat for a well earned holiday before returning to the UK.