Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 21 December
to 06:00 22 December 1996
The current alert level is ORANGE


Overnight, there was more evidence of growth of the October 1 dome and continuing seismicity. Both are of concern and there are real dangers of pyroclastic flows into the Tar River Valley and of a sudden collapse of the Gallway's Wall. The revised risk map is still in operation and nobody should be in zone A/B. Access to zone C/D is restricted to short visits for essential purposes by people with a rapid means of exit. Zone E is safe and the airport should be open.

The rockfall activity from the October 1 dome continued overnight. Shortly before 6 pm last night, there were two small pyroclastic flows from the October 1 dome. These travelled into the upper Tar River Valley, to just short of the Tar River Soufriere. More rockfall activity was seen during the late evening. Ten rockfall signals were detected on the seismic system.

The volcano-tectonic seismic activity recorded yesterday died out in the early evening, with only 7 more VT events recorded. Fifteen long-period earthquakes were recorded overnight. This is an increase in long-period activity and is being investigated.

The crater area is covered in cloud this morning.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory