Activity at the volcano has decreased during the past 24-hours, with the volcano-tectonic swarm ending last night. Visibility was very poor for most of the day but some clear views were obtained of the dome during the morning and late evening.
The intense swarm of volcano-tectonic earthquakes that began at 00:27 on 01 November ended at 20:31 on 02 November. Final processing of the 412 events that occurred during the swarm is still being done. Nineteen volcano-tectonic events were recorded during the past 24 hours, most of which were included in the VT swarm. Four rockfall signals and one long-period earthquake were also recorded during the period. Seismic activity at the volcano has been very quiet since 23:30 last night with only one event ( a large rockfall at 13:48), being recorded by the seismic stations around the volcano.
The viewing conditions were poor for most of the day and only brief views were obtained of the crater. Observations from the eastern side of the volcano suggest that dome growth is concentrated in the central western part of the 1 October dome. The eastern face of the new dome seems unchanged with little rockfall activity. Most of the rockfalls observed were very small involving the movement of fine-grained material down the flank of the new dome. The small spine that was observed yesterday on the top northwestern part of the new dome has increased in height. The large rockfall that occurred at 13:48 today occurred on the northeastern flank of the new dome and produced a small ash cloud.
No EDM measurements were completed today due to very low cloud. A GPS survey of the eastern flank of the volcano was completed today. The results of this survey would be completed later today and would be available during the next few days.
COSPEC measurements were made this morning along the west coast road from Cork Hill today. The average flux is 371 tonnes per day, which is quite similar to the last measurements made yesterday.
Despite the reduction in activity level at the volcano during the past 24 hours, the scientific team at the MVO is still concerned about the change in activity during the previous 48 hours. The scientists cannot be sure that the earthquake swarm will lead to a potentially dangerous volcanic explosion in the next few days. We advise that the alert level remains at Orange and that it may be a few days before the alert level can move down again even if the activity level continues to be low. We stress that the volcano is still in a very dangerous state and that all residents should follow the recommendations laid out in the alert procedures, and listen to Radio Montserrat.