The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano remained at about the same level as during the previous twenty-four hours. Small and moderate-sized rockfalls from the lava dome continued to be the dominant events. Based on observations made over the past four days it seems as if hybrid events are again on the increase.
A total of fifty nine rockfall events were recorded today, five less than yesterdays amount. The largest events occurred at 21:08 on 2 July and at 02:42 and 05:37 on July 3. There were no reports of ash clouds or ashfall from any of these events. Long period earthquakes remained low, with five recorded over the reporting period. There was a period of broadband tremor from about 19:00 to 22:00 on 2 July recorded on the Gages seismic station. Other short episodes of lower intensity also occurred at later times during the period under review.
Visibility was poor for much of the day, with the summit obscured by clouds. No EDM measurements were possible today. Gravimetric surveys were carried out today. Three new stations were established in Amersham and Plymouth. The results from these surveys were not available at press time.
Dr. Glen Matioli and Dr. Paul Cole left Montserrat this morning. Dr Matioli and Dr. Alan Smith who left yesterday carried out several GPS campaigns while they were on island. The were also involved in preparing the sites for two continuously recording stations. Dr. Cole spent the last two weeks studying the pyroclastic deposits of the volcano.
The Soufriere Hills Volcano is still highly dangerous to people and property on it's eastern and upper western flanks. Visits to the evacuated zone must 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 extremely dangerous. All access roads to these areas remain closed and 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.