Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 7 AM On Tuesday April 08, 1997
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO.

The current alert level is ORANGE


The Soufriere Hills Volcano continues to be quiet with very occasional pyroclastic flows. The level of seismic activity is very low with just a few volcano-tectonic and long period earthquakes. There has been some strong gas venting from the dome.

Visibility over the last 24 hours has been exceptionally clear and scientists observed that current dome growth is above Galways Wall.

The clear weather also allowed a volume survey of the dome to be carried out and it has been determined that recent pyroclastic flows removed about 1.6 million cubic materials from the dome. The dome itself now has a volume of 49 million cubic metres, the largest it has ever been.

Some COSPEC and GPS measurements were taken yesterday (Monday) and the results are currently being processed and will be presented later today.

Scientists at the MVO are expecting further pyroclastic flows in the White River Valley and the Tar River Valley and these areas are extremely dangerous. Ash levels in Plymouth and its environs are hazardous and everyone should wear their ash masks.

Government Information Service