Montserrat Volcano Observatory

Weekly Report for the period 22 to 29 June 2012

Activity at the Soufrière Hills Volcano is low.

There were twelve rockfalls and two long period earthquakes recorded by the seismic network this week. Eight rockfalls occurred on 23 June.

There were no sulphur dioxide measurements from the static network this week owing to the vandalism of a monitoring station in Plymouth. However a measurement using a different technique on the 26 June gave a value of 606 tonnes per day, although this technique typically gives higher values than the static network.

Brief glimpses of the lava dome showed no changes.

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. Tracks across the Belham valley are frequently destroyed or heavily modified by flash flooding or lahars, and caution should be exercised crossing the valley during and after rainfall.

The Hazard Level is 2. There is no access to Plymouth or Zone V. 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).

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