The volcano has been quiet during the last 24 hours, with occasional small pyroclastic flows into the White River valley. Low cloud has restricted views of the dome, but the seismic pattern suggests there is continued dome growth.
The broadband seismic network recorded a total of 89 rockfall signals during the past 24 hours, which is about the same number as yesterday. There were 20 long-period earthquakes, with 12 of these triggering rockfalls from the dome. There were only two small VT earthquakes, and these are the only VT or hybrid earthquakes that have been recorded since Tuesday. A low level of VT and hybrid earthquakes is usually associated with free and fast dome growth; the last similar activity was during the growth of the December 11 dome last year.
Visibility was poor today, and no views of the dome were possible.
A GPS survey of a network of points across the north of Montserrat was measured today. This network is measured every few weeks to check for widespread deformation caused by the volcano. The results will be processed shortly.
The volcano remains dangerous, and only essential visits should be made to the evacuated zone. There is still a lot of ash blowing around, so people should wear masks when in the affected areas. The Tar River and White River valleys are extremely dangerous, and should not be entered under any circumstances.
Jurgen Neuberg and Peter Francis left Montserrat today after spending about two weeks at MVO. Desmond Seupersad from the Seismic Research Unit returned to Trinidad today. He has been involved in monitoring the seismic activity of the volcano. Dr Anne-Marie Lejuene arrived yesterday morning, and shall work at MVO for three months. Dr Ricky Herd returned this afternoon after a short break in the UK.