Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Update
Report for the period 16:00 25 August
to 07:00 26 August 1996


The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano during the night has been higher than that observed during the previous reporting period. However, the pattern of the activity is still dominated by small- to moderate-sized rockfalls mainly from the eastern flanks of the growing lava dome. A sequence of small volcano-tectonic earthquakes was recorded from 16:00 to 17:30 on 25 August. Preliminary calculation of locations for these events places them at shallow depths beneath the Crater. A few small hybrid and long-period earthquakes were also recorded. Intermittent low-amplitude broadband tremor was recorded at the closest seismic stations to the Crater throughout the update period and is probably indicative of increased steam emission from the Crater.

Visibility during the early morning from both Bramble Airport and the Observatory was poor.

Extreme care should be exercised when driving in areas affected by recent ashfalls. Please do not forget to wear dust masks.

The Tar River Valley and surrounding areas are extremely hazardous and should not be entered under any circumstances.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory