Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Daily Report
Report for the period 5 p.m. 18 December
to 5 p.m. 19 December 1998


Volcanic activity has continued at about the same level over the last 24 hours. The MVO seismographs recorded 2 rockfall signals, 7 volcano-tectonic earthquakes and one hybrid event in the period. A large pyroclastic flow occurred this morning in the Tar River valley which was followed by twenty minutes of elevated tremor.

This morning's pyroclastic flow occurred with no warning and reached the sea in less than five minutes. Powerful black jets of ash and rock burst from the dome and the flow travelled to the Estate House in less than two minutes. In the lower parts of the valley the flow was contained in a narrow gully until within 200m of the sea. A thin surge deposit covered much of the Tar River Valley. Powerful ash venting followed the pyroclastic flow.

A wind turbine was installed at the University of Puerto Rico GPS site at Hermitage this morning. The site is high on the volcano and usually in cloud, so its solar panels often do not provide sufficient power.

Residents of Montserrat are advised to keep listening to ZJB Radio Montserrat for information relating to any further developments in the state of the volcano.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory