Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Daily Report
Report for the period 6 pm 24 December
to 6 pm 25 December 1997
| M e r r y | C h r i s t m a s ! ! ! |
| M e r r y | C h r i s t m a s ! ! ! |
There has been a marked change in the volcanic activity over the last 24 hours, with large numbers of hybrid earthquakes being recorded.
Between 16:00 yesterday and 16:00 today, a total of 328 hybrid earthquakes, 24 long period earthquakes, 2 volcano-tectonic earthquakes and 79 rockfall signals were recorded by the broadband system. The hybrid earthquakes have been occurring at between 1 and 2 events per minute at the peak of the activity, and the amplitude of the events has been gradually increasing.
Reasonable views of the volcano were obtained this afternoon, but no significant ash clouds were observed.
The onset of hybrid earthquake activity is thought to represent pressurisation of the dome and has previously led to major pyroclastic flows or explosions. People should remain alert and listen to Radio Montserrat for further information as it is possible that such high level activity could recur.
Air quality at all monitoring stations across the island is good today.
The staff of MVO would like to wish all Montserratians, both at home and abroad, and all recipients of the daily reports across the world, a very happy and peaceful Christmas.