There were only slight changes in the level of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano during the last twenty-four hours. Small rockfalls from the lava dome and the occurrence of moderate sized hybrid earthquakes continued to be the dominant features.
There was a reduction in the number of rockfall events recorded in this period, with 27 compared to 54 yesterday. The largest rockfall event occurred at 15:04 on July 5. There were no reports of ashfall from this, or any other rockfalls. Twenty two hybrid earthquakes were recorded, about the same as yesterday. The number of long period earthquakes remained low, with six recorded during the reporting period. There was intermittent low-amplitude broadband tremor recorded from about 17:00 until about 22:00 on July 4 and from 03:40 on July 5 until the end of the reporting period.
Viewing conditions were good throughout most of the day. There was very little observed rockfall activity, concentrated mainly on the southern flanks of the dome. Observations today confirmed those of the previous few days - the dome is growing mainly in the south, and that all slopes are very steep and therefore have the potential to generate large rockfalls in the near future.
EDM measurements were made today on lines in the eastern triangle and in Tar River. The results are not yet available. The MVO GPS programme was restarted today with a successful test of the equipment at the observatory. All the GPS stations were visited to make measurements of possible obstructions that might affect the observation of satellites.
No COSPEC measurements were carried out today.
Dr John Shepherd arrived on Montserrat yesterday. John is back to continue work on the GPS survey.
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.