Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 48 Hour Period Ending 7 AM On Tuesday March 18, 1997
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO.

The current alert level is AMBER


The activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano over the past 48 hours has been slightly higher with earthquake swarms being the dominant feature. The swarms consist of volcano-tectonic and hybrid earthquakes and the latest one continues as we write.

In addition there has been rockfall activity throughout and some of these have led to further pyroclastic flows over the Galways Wall and from the eastern and south eastern face of the dome.

All the seismic activity shows that the dome continues to grow but at a slightly lower rate than before - it has increased in size by about 1 million cubic metres since March 1st.

Some COSPEC measurements were taken over the reporting period and the results from these will be announced later today. GPS has also been carried out between Hermitage and Harris' and these results are also awaited.

Visibility has been better over the last few days and scientists hope to inspect the dome via helicopter later this morning. They still warn that that it is unstable and likely to collapse at any time. Residents are asked to remain vigilent at all times.

Government Information Service