Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Daily Report
Report for the period 16:00 08 May
to 16:00 09 May 1997
The current alert level is AMBER


Activity has returned to the pattern developed over the last few weeks, with rockfalls and long-period earthquakes, after the volcano-tectonic earthquake swarm yesterday.

Seismic activity has been dominated by rockfalls and small pyroclastic flow signals during the reporting period. The broadband seismic network recorded 76 rockfalls of which 16 were triggered by long-period earthquakes. A total of 32 long-period earthquakes were recorded. No volcano-tectonic nor hybrid earthquakes were detected today.

No views of the dome complex have been possible today due to the persistent low cloud.

No GPS nor EDM surveys were performed today.

A new pair of laser-range-finding binoculars were tested today along side the EDM. The results were very encouraging and indicate that the binoculars are capable of measuring distances over 2 kilometers to a high degree of precision. The binoculars will be used in detailed dome surveys over the next couple of weeks when the weather clears sufficiently.

The volcano remains dangerous, and only essential visits should be made to the evacuated zone. People should wear masks when in the ashy areas. The Tar River and White River valleys are extremely dangerous, and should not be entered under any circumstances.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory