Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 7 AM On Friday March 14, 1997
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO.

The current alert level is AMBER


Over the past 24 hours the activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano has increased. There was another earthquake swarm comprising volcano-tectonic and hybrid events which finished mid morning on Thursday. In addition there was low amplitude tremor recorded on the Gages Seismic Station and the amplitude of tremor is increasing.

The TV camera at Galways recorded two pyroclastic flows over the Galways Wall and these travelled at least 1 kilometre into the valley. These produced small ash clouds which drifted over Plymouth.

Scientists at the MVO are also watching carefully a new spine that has been growing since March 11th on the dome and is now estimated to be 30 metres tall.

The GPS measurements made earlier in the week show that the Hermitage site has increased in height and moved to the north/north east since it was last measured in mid January. The EDM measurements made yesterday show no major changes in the lines between Upper & Lower Amersham and Lower Amersham & Chances Peak.

There is cloud cover this morning (Friday) so there are no clear views of the dome however the Control Tower at the airport reports rockfall and incandescence from the eastern face of the dome this morning.

Scientists are warning that the volcano is very active and the dome very unstable and larger than it has ever been before. Collapses could occur at any time leading to pyroclastic flows which will produce ash clouds. All residents are asked to remain vigilent and stay tuned to ZJB radio for updates.

Government Information Service