Three (3) volcano-tectonic earthquakes were located during this period. These were scattered beneath the Soufriere Hills volcano at depths of 2 to 5 km. Seventeen (17) long-period events were recorded by most of the seismometers in the network. Broadband tremor started at approximately 0900 on 28 December and continues until present. This tremor is being recorded only on the Gages seismometer and is probably due to increased steam emission from English's crater. A regional earthquake was recorded at 19:42 on 27 December; this had a magnitude of 3.1 and was located approximately 50 km NE of Antigua.
EDM lines were measured today to Castle Peak from Long Ground and White's Yard and to St. George's Hill and Farrell's from Windy Hill. Low cloud cover prevented measurement of lines on the west side of the volcano. None of the lines measured yesterday showed any change. GPS measurements were made today at St George's Hill, Reid's Hill and Tar River. The GPS data will not be processed until the end of the month.
Visual observations were made today from the helicopter and from White's Yard. From measurements at White's, the upper surface of the eastern part of the new lava dome has risen by approximately 2.5m (8ft) in 24 hours. The new spine, first observed on 26 December in the western part of the active area, has again grown significantly in the last 24 hours and is now visible from Harris' Lookout.