Today activity at the volcano was a bit lower compared to yesterday, with ash venting continuing, and a decrease in the number of rockfall signals. Between 16:00 yesterday and 16:00 today there were 8 hybrid earthquakes, 3 volcano-tectonic earthquakes, 5 long period earthquakes and 50 rockfall signals. A regional event was recorded at 9:48 am local time on the MVO network. The rockfalls occurred throughout the day. While there were several rockfalls, there was one well defined peak at about 8:00 am today and a few other periods of near continuos rockfall activity during the night and early morning.
The volcano was partially clear today indications are that the more active face of the dome remains in the Galways area. Ash venting was occurring from the back of the scar excavated by the 26 December eruption. Ash production continued for most of the day . Very light but sustained ashfall occurred over a large part of the north of Montserrat due mainly to the direction of the wind. Ash was generated by the many small rockfalls observed going down the Galways side of the dome, but the majority of ash was the result of the ash venting that continued whether rockfalls were occurring or not.
A long occupation GPS survey which started between Harris Lookout and Blakes is continuing and the data will be processed next week.
A temperature survey was carried out today on the September 21 pyroclastic flows and the average temperature at about 80 centimetres or 2.5 feet was 180 degrees centigrade.
Despite the ashfall dust levels at all monitoring stations remained low today.
People should remain alert and listen to Radio Montserrat for further information.