Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 4 pm 23 June
to 7 am 24 June 1997
The current alert level is ORANGE


Overnight activity has featured hybrid earthquake swarms and degassing from the top of the dome.

A swarm of hybrid earthquakes, which started just before 4pm yesterday afternoon, reached its peak between 5pm and 6pm, and declined to background level by 10pm last night. Another swarm of frequent hybrids developed about 4.30am this morning, and was continuing at the end of the present reporting period.

Data from the Chance's Peak tiltmeter overnight shows that the pattern of alternating periods of inflation and deflation of the volcano continues, although these are now less uniform than they were 24 hours ago.

At daybreak, a short sighting of the dome was possible from the airport observation point, but no major changes were discerned, and rockfall activity was modest. There was continuous degassing from the top of the dome.

The public are reminded that the dome continues to grow larger and that pyroclastic flows and surges could occur again at any time, affecting Gages valley, Mosquito Ghaut, Tuitt's Ghaut or the Tar River valley. Access to Plymouth is restricted. Zones A and B, which include Tuitt's, Bramble, Bethel, Spanish Point, Farms, Harris and Trants, are extremely dangerous and nobody should go into this area at all.

Bramble Airport remains operational, but the public are reminded that it is open only for essential travel purposes.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory