Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Daily Report
Report for the period 5 p.m. 8 October
to 5 p.m. 9 October 1998


The level of activity at Soufriere Hills volcano has remained low over the past twenty-four hours. A total of 10 rockfalls were recorded on the seismic network.

Between 8pm and 10pm last night mudflow signals were recorded. Observations today indicate that mudflows travelled down all the valleys around the volcano although analysis of the amplitudes of the signals suggests that the largest mudflows travelled to the west of the volcano.

Periods of tremor occurred throughout the day, the first episode started at 2am this morning and peaked at 9am. The second period was of slightly higher amplitude and peaked at midday before returning to background levels at about 4pm this afternoon. This tremor correlated with increased steam and ash venting from the dome. Despite poor visibility today venting was observed on the northern flanks and in the July 3rd scar above the Tar River valley.

Measurements of the sulphur dioxide flux from the volcano were taken today using the miniCOSPEC on the helicopter. The average daily flux was 1301 tonnes per day, this is typical of levels measured recently during periods of enhanced venting.

Residents of Montserrat should continue to check Radio ZJB in case of sudden developments in the state of the volcano.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory