Sunday, October 18, 2009

Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat - John Seach

During the week 9-16 October 2009 activity has been high at Soufriere Hills volcano, Montserrat. A new lava dome has been growing at the volcano since 9th October 2009. Seismic activity during the week consisted of 1224 rockfall signals, 382 long period events, and one volcano tectonic earthquake. Pyroclastic flows occurred in all the major valleys that drain the volcano except the Tar River valley. Pyroclastic flows began on 9-10 October and extended south of the volcano. From 11 October pyroclastic flows extended down the Tyers Ghaut. Pyroclastic flows have reached about 3 km down the White River to the south; 1.5 km down the Gages valley to the west; and 3 km down Tuitts and Whites Bottom Ghaut in the east. Dome growth is located at the volcano summit which is responsible for the radial flow of pyroclastic flows. Lahars occurred in Belham valley on 14th October.
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