Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Daily Report
Report for the period 6 pm 20 January
to 6 pm 21 January 1998


Seismic activity at the volcano remained at an slightly elevated today. Between 16:00 yesterday and 16:00 today there were 22 hybrid earthquakes, 58 rockfall signals and 4 long-period. One of the long period events was followed by a rockfall signal. Rockfall activity increased immediately following a period of hybrid earthquakes which began at 11:30 last night.

Visibility has been reasonable today, and a steam plume was visible drifting to the north west. Views of the summit area indicate that activity is still concentrated in the south western part of English's Crater with rockfalls into the White River.

Various steps have been taken to strengthen the MVO's deformation monitoring programme. Over the last two days an EDM reflector has been installed on the remains of the northern crater wall on the central of the three remaining peaks. A GPS site was also installed on Gages Mountain and a concrete pad prepared for an electronic tiltmeter. These new installations will help the MVO understand deformation in areas close to the dome. New GPS sites have also been established on the north of the island. These will help understand the wider strain field and whether the whole volcano is rising or sinking relative to the rest of the country.

Dust levels at the monitoring stations across the island were low today, except for at the Catholic Primary School in Palm Loop. Dust levels here were slightly raised - probably because of high human activity in the area and a nearby main road.

People should remain alert and listen to Radio Montserrat for further information.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory