Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Activity at the Soufrière Hills Volcano is low.

The seismic network recorded two rockfalls, two volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes.

The average rate of sulphur dioxide emission for 3 days this week was 460 tonnes per day, with a minimum of 293 and maximum of 644 tonnes per day.

Clear views on the evening of 5 May showed several spots of incandescence (glowing) on the lava dome visible to the naked eye. These are identical to those first identified in November 2010  and highlight continued high temperatures > 500oC.

Heavy rain on 10 May generated a small lahar (mudflow) in the Belham valley.

Pyroclastic flows can occur at any time without warning on any side of the volcano, including Gages from where they can travel rapidly into Plymouth. Lahars (mudflows) remain a hazard and will increase in frequency as hurricane season approaches. Tracks across the Belham valley can be destroyed or heavily modified by lahars, and caution should be exercised crossing the valley during and after rainfall.

The Hazard Level is 2. There is daytime access (8:00 am to 4:00 pm) to Zone C. Maritime zone W remains daytime transit only (boats may sail through the zone but must not stop)

Category: Weekly reports