The frequency and intensity of seismicity are gradually increasing at Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Reunion. The trend of gradual deformation of the volcano continues, particularly on the north side of Dolomieu and near Soufriere. On Friday 16th October the seismic network recorded one earthquake every seventy seconds, with a maximum magnitude of 3. This is a remarkable intensity for Piton de la Fournaise volcano where earthquakes rarely exceed magnitude 2. The earthquakes are currently located at a depth of 2000 m, which indicates magma has not yet reached the surface. The pre-eruptive pattern of Piton de la Fournaise volcano is marked by several seismic crises, punctuated by periods of rest. There has been no change in the chemical composition of gas at the volcano. Alert level 1 (eruption imminent or likely) remains since 7th October after the first seismic crisis, and access to the volcano summit is prohibited.
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About John Seach
- John Seach
- John Seach is a scientist and the world's leading volcano adventurer. Over the past 24 years John has traveled to the world's most exciting volcanoes, and witnessed eruptions during trips to more than 200 volcanoes. John's work has been featured on award winning television programmes. John is the founder of "Volcano Live", the world's first volcano news and volcano travel website.