Eight (8) volcano-tectonic earthquakes were located during this period. These were scattered mainly in the central part of Montserrat at depths of about 0 - 7 km. Twelve (12) long-period events detected by most of the stations of the network were also recorded. The very small, repetitive long- period events previously recorded at the Gages seismic station continue at low rates and amplitudes . Short duration episodes of low amplitude broadband tremor were also picked up by the Gages station. Two regional earthquakes were recorded: one at 23:55 had a magnitude of about 2.6 and was located about 70 km north of Montserrat and the second, at 05:45 with a magnitude of 3.1 was located about 160 km from Montserrat.
All EDM lines were measured today but the data is still being processed. GPS measurements were made at St George's Hill, Reid's Hill and Tar River. At 08:00 on 26 December, the Reid's Hill receiver was moved to Chance's Peak. The GPS data will not be processed until the end of the month.
Visual observations were made today from the helicopter and from the crater rim. There appears to have been no significant change in the crater morphology compared to recent reports. There was continuous steaming from English's crater throughout most of the day, with minor rock avalanches within the crater region generating small amounts of ash.
Mr. Angus Miller, who had been working with the Observatory since early November, left Montserrat for the United Kingdom today afternoon.