MVO report for the period midday October 26 to midday November 02, 2007
By MVO
Fri, 2 Nov 2007, 15:48
Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Report for the period 26 October to 02 November 2007
Measurable activity at the Soufrière Hills Volcano has remained low with no significant change throughout the period. Visual observations were limited due to a low cloud base over the volcano, however, no changes to the dome structure were noted and the pause in lava extrusion [and dome growth] continues. Low level rock fall and pyroclastic activity continues and a small pyroclastic flow was observed in the Tar River Valley at just after 11:00 on the morning of 30 October.
Whilst lava extrusion has ceased and the dome may not be actively growing, it remains as a large mass of partially molten lava capable of collapsing or exploding although the likelihood of this is thought to decrease with time as no further lava extrusion occurs. During heavy downpours, such during the passing of tropical depressions, lahar activity in drainages around the volcano (including the Belham Valley to the northwest), remains a potential hazard.
Recorded seismic activity remained very low throughout the period, and the seismic network recorded just 9 rockfall signals.
The recorded sulphur dioxide (SO2) flux rate for the period ranged from a minimum of 358 tonnes per day (t/d) at the beginning rising to a maximum of 893 t/d by the end. This gave average flux rate for the period of 618 t/d, elevated in comparison to the long-term average for the eruption, which remains at around 550 t/d.
The alert level remained at 4.
Residents of Montserrat and visitors to the island are advised to tune into ZJB Radio 88.3 or 95.5 FM for up-to-date information on the volcano.
Access to all areas on the southern flanks of the Belham Valley east of the Belham Bridge and areas south are prohibited as is south of Jack Boy Hill to Bramble airport and beyond. The maritime exclusion zone around the southern part of the island extends 4 km off shore from Spanish Point to Roches Yard on the east side of the volcano, 2 km offshore from O’Garras to Sturge Park on the south-west (readers are referred to the updated risk map, available on the MVO website).
Additionally for further explanations of the volcanic phenomena described, and information about the Soufrière Hills Volcano and the ongoing eruption, please look at the MVO website: http://www.mvo.ms.
Vicky Hards
Director
Montserrat Volcano Observatory
P.O. BOX 318
Flemmings
Montserrat
West Indies
Tel: 1-664-491-5647
FAX: 1-664-491-2423
Email: vicky@mvo.ms