Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Update
Report for the period 16:00 26 August
to 07:00 27 August 1996


During the night, activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano has continued at about the same level as that observed during the previous reporting period. Signals indicative of small- to moderate-sized rockfalls from the flanks of the growing lava dome were dominant on the seismic records. Several small volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes were also recorded and these were located beneath English's Crater at shallow depths. Most of these VTs occurred as part of a swarm from 00:25 to 01:35 this morning. Episodes of low-amplitude broadband tremor were frequent throughout the reporting period.

Visibility during the early morning was poor.

Extreme care should be exercised when driving in areas affected by recent ashfalls. Please do not forget to wear dust masks. Further rockfalls and pyroclastic flows will occur but all indications at the moment are that the pyroclastic flows will be confined to the Tar River Valley area. However, areas affected by associated ashfalls will obviously depend on the direction and strength of the wind at the time.

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


Montserrat Volcano Observatory