Activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano has been at a lower level today and was dominated by small-to-a moderate sized rockfalls and persistent low amplitude broad band tremor that was recorded by the closest seismic stations. The local seismic network also recorded a magnitude 7.8 tele-seismic earthquake which occurred near Flores in the Pacific.
A total of 49 rockfall events were recorded during this period, 100 less than yesterday. None of these were large enough to generate any notable size ash clouds. The small repetitive hybrid events seen during the last few days declined to the extent that they were only seen on the Chances Peak seismic station. There were 2 well-recorded hybrid events and 16 long-period earthquakes during the reporting period. Continuous low-to-moderate amplitude broadband tremor was recorded between 16:43 and 22:11 yesterday. The tremor was intermittent between 22:30 to about 04:00 this morning and has been continuous until the time that this report was written.
Viewing conditions have been very poor since noon yesterday. No views of the upper flanks to the dome were possible. The amount of new material in the upper Fort Ghaut area remains unknown.
No EDM measurements were made today due to poor visibility. GPS measurements were made, but the data has not yet been processed.
Six COSPEC traverses were made today. The results show a total of about 125 tonnes per day of Sulphur Dioxide being emitted by the volcano, entirely consistent with the generally low levels which have been recorded since COSPEC measurements restarted in mid-May.
Mr Christian Antenor Habazac of the Volcano observatory of Guadeloupe departed today after a ten day tour of duty. During his visit he assisted with various technical aspects of the operations at the MVO. Mr Jean Pierre Viode from the Martinique observatory arrived this afternoon to offer similar assistance.
Scientists at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory remain highly concerned about the current state of the volcano and the dangers to people and property on both the eastern and upper western flanks of the volcano. Visits to the evacuated zone should be kept to an absolute minimum. The Tar River, Long Ground and Whites areas to the east and upper Fort Ghaut, Gages Village and Upper Amersham areas to the west are all now extremely dangerous. The road between Lee's Estate and Ryners Village remains closed. People should not enter these areas under any circumstances. If they do, they put themselves and others at direct risk of serious injury or death.