Activity at the volcano has been at a low level during the past 24 hours, with very few earthquakes recorded. Some views of the crater were possible this afternoon, and the dome still seems to be growing.
Only one volcano-tectonic earthquake, one rockfall signal and one long-period earthquake were recorded today. There were also two regional earthquakes to the north of Montserrat.
The volcano has been cloudy for most of the day, but some views of the dome were possible from Harris' Lookout and Whites this afternoon. Some new growth was observed on the northern side of the October 1 dome, where some fresh light-coloured material has appeared. There is a slight bulge on the southern side of the dome, and vigourous steaming from Castle Peak and the top of the dome.
The amount of sulphur dioxide coming from the volcano was measured this morning using the COSPEC instrument. The results show an average value of 176 tonnes per day, which is similar to recent measurements.
No EDM measurements were carried out today.
The GPS measurements made yesterday on the western side of the volcano showed no changes in line lengths since the network was last surveyed on 6 November.
Scientists at MVO remind everyone that the volcano is still in a very dangerous state and all residents should follow the recommendations laid out in the alert procedures and listen to Radio Montserrat. The recent earthquake swarms, combined with slow dome growth, represent a new type of activity at the volcano, and thus we cannot be sure what will happen during the next few days and weeks. A rapid escalation to explosive activity is possible at any time. The Tar River and Long Ground areas remain especially dangerous and anyone entering these areas is putting themselves at risk of death.