The level of seismic activity over the past 24 hours has dropped back to the low levels which had persisted before the brief increase reported in yesterdays evening report.
Between 4pm yesterday and 4pm today there were 3 volcano-tectonic earthquakes and 1 hybrid earthquake recorded by the seismograph network. The locatable volcano-tectonic earthquakes occurred at depths of about 3km directly below the volcano, that is slightly deeper than the earthquakes mentioned in yesterday's report, but at similar depths to other recent VT events. One small regional earthquake was recorded on the local network; it was located south-east of Montserrat.
A field excursion was made today into Dry Ghaut (behind Roche's Mountain) to inspect surge deposits there. These had spilled over into that ghaut during the big Boxing Day dome collapse and were very mobile, flowing down the ghaut with ease. In this regard, they are thought to be similar to the rapid flows which entered the top of the Belham Valley during the 25 June 1997 dome collapse.
Dust levels at all monitoring stations remained low today.
Residents are reminded that the volcano remains in an active state, and that they should continue listening to Radio Montserrat in case the present quiet situation at the volcano changes suddenly.