Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 7 AM On Monday March 03, 1997
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO.

The current alert level is AMBER


This explanation is written each morning at 8 am following the receipt of the 7 am update from the MVO and is designed for overseas subscribers to the Evergreen Network. It is not always possible to "Log On" to the network and therefore it sometimes goes out much later in the day, however we attempt to get it into the system as early as possible each day. (GIS)

There has been little change at the Soufriere Hills Volcano over the last 24 hours.

The seismic activity has been in the form of earthquake swarms of volcano-tectonic and hybrid events lasting most of yesterday (Sunday). In addition there were over a dozen rockfall signals which produced small ashclouds which deposited ash in the Chances Peak region.

Good visibility last night allowed scientists to observe three hot chutes in the south east face of the dome. The good visibility continued into this morning with early observations from W.H. Bramble Airport showing that the dome had increased in height since yesterday.

COSPEC measurements were carried out yesterday to measure the sulphur dioxide gas content in the atmosphere, results showed figures of 165 tonnes per day - a low level.

The volcano remains very active and dangerous. The dome is now larger than ever before and is becoming even more active. Residents are being urged to be vigilent.

Government Information Service