Activity at the volcano has continued at a low level during the past 24 hours, with very few earthquakes recorded. However, two rockfalls from the October 1 dome occurred this afternoon. Some views of the crater were possible, and the dome still seems to be growing.
Only one volcano-tectonic earthquake and one long-period earthquake were recorded on the short-period network today. The VT earthquake was located at a very shallow depth beneath the crater. There was also a regional earthquake recorded at 09:14 this morning and a teleseism at 15:22 this afternoon; the locations for these signals aren't yet known.
The broadband seismic network today recorded 4 small, long-period earthquakes not recorded by the short-period network. Although not particularly important in themselves, these earthquakes do show that the new network has the potential to record earthquakes being missed by the old network.
The volcano has been cloudy for most of the day, but some views of the dome were possible from the helicopter this afternoon. A rockfall at 15:55 was observed from the helicopter, and it deposited material down the canyon on the eastern side of the dome. The rockfall came from the northern side of the dome, and produced ash which blew on the wind over the Upper Amersham area. However, any ash fall was very light. A larger rockfall occurred at 16:10.
No EDM or COSPEC measurements were carried out today. A dome survey was planned using the GPS equipment but visibility on the dome was not good enough to enable the survey to take place.
Members of the new Government were given a tour of the MVO today so that they could familiarise themselves with the operations and learn a bit more about the volcano. The MVO Tremors will make their debut in the Montserrat National Football League later this afternoon.
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. Although activity has been at a low level over the past few days, the scientists are still not sufficiently happy with the state of the volcano to recommend a lowering of the alert level. The Tar River and Long Ground areas remain especially dangerous and anyone entering these areas is putting themselves at risk of death.