Activity has been at a low level during the past 24 hours, with a continuation of rockfall and small pyroclastic flows from the dome, and some long-period earthquakes.
The broadband seismic network recorded 72 rockfalls, about the same number as yesterday. There were also 30 long-period earthquakes, with 14 of these resulting in rockfalls. The rockfall signals were caused by activity in both the Whites River and Tar River.
It has been very cloudy again today, and so no views of the dome complex have been possible. Observers in the east saw a few small pyroclastic flows in the southern side of the Tar River valley.
A GPS survey of the eastern side of the volcano was carried out today, with sites at Long Ground, Whites, Farrell's and Windy Hill being visited. The results will be reported tomorrow.
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.
Professor Barry Voight arrived last night to join the MVO staff. He will be helping to install new equipment on the crater rim to monitor the deformation of the volcano. Lloyd Lynch took over as MVO Chief Scientist today, from Simon Young.