Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Daily Report
Report for the period 5 p.m. 19 August
to 5 p.m. 20 August 1998


Activity on the volcano was relatively low today. There were 6 rockfall signals, 1 volcano-tectonic earthquake and 3 long period earthquakes over the last 24 hours.

The vigorous ash and steam venting observed yesterday afternoon has reduced to a low level. The main fumarolic area in the base of the July 3 scar above the Tar River valley was discharging mainly steam today. The fumarole at the back of the scar was still vigorous but was also dominated by steam rather than ash. A small pyroclastic flow was observed this afternoon in the July 3rd scar.

A COSPEC run using the Police boat was completed yesterday afternoon. The sulphur dioxide flux from the volcano was calculated at 1400 tonnes per day.

Dust levels were low at all stations.

Residents should continue listening to Radio Montserrat in case there are sudden developments in the state of the volcano.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory