Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Daily Report
Report for the period 16:00 30 October
to 16:00 31 October 1996
The current alert level is AMBER


Activity at the volcano has been at a relatively low level for most of the period despite the occurrence of another volcano-tectonic earthquake swarm. Apart from the VT earthquakes, a few rockfalls and long-period events were also recorded. Visibility was very poor for most of the day and the summit of the volcano was obscured by low cloud.

Twenty volcano-tectonic earthquakes occurred during the period, most of which occurred in a swarm from 16:00 to 23:00 on 30 October. These events were all located at shallow depth beneath the crater. A few rockfall signals occurred during the period, only two of which were large enough to be recorded on stations close to the volcano. Four long-period events were also recorded. Low amplitude tremor was recorded on the Gages seismic station throughout the period. One regional event located north-west of Montserrat was recorded at 02:27 on 30 October.

The viewing conditions were very poor for most of the day and no clear views were obtained of the volcano.

A GPS survey on the western flank of the volcano was completed today. The results of this survey is currently being processed.

Measurement of the sulphur dioxide flux in the volcanic plume was conducted along the west coast road from Cork Hill to Kings Hill today. The average sulphur dioxide flux obtained from three traverses of this area was 311 tonnes/day.

No EDM measurements were made today.

The volcano remains in an active and highly dangerous state. Further activity, possibly leading to an explosive event could occur with little warning in the near future. Everyone who enters the evacuated zone must remain alert and be ready to move at short notice. Individuals who go beyond the Long Ground area into the Tar River valley are risking death.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory