The level of activity at the volcano was again slightly elevated today. There were 6 volcano-tectonic earthquakes, 1 long period earthquake, 1 hybrid earthquake and 19 rockfalls. There was a pyroclastic flow lasting about 8 minutes at 0500.
An observation flight this afternoon confirmed that rockfalls and small pyroclastic flows have again travelled from the SE face of the dome into the upper part of the White River valley. These recent pyroclastic flows only reached about 500 m from the dome. Steam venting may have weakened and undermined part of the dome close to where it has banked up against Chances Peak. A scar was observed today just above the steam vents which is the probable source of the recent rockfalls. The scar is at least 150m wide and its edges are steep and precipitous so more rockfalls can be expected.
The sulphur dioxide flux from the volcano was measured today using the miniCOSPEC from the helicopter, the average reading was 1400 tonnes per day.
Dust levels were raised at Salem today but were low at all other stations.
Dr Joe Devine of Brown University, USA left Montserrat today.
Residents should continue listening to Radio Montserrat in case there are sudden developments in the state of the volcano.