Saturday, February 13, 2010

Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat - John Seach

Two vulcanian explosions and a partial dome collapse occurred at Sourfriere Hills volcano in the past week. The first eruption occurred on 5th February and produced a plume which reached 25,000 ft high. Pyroclastic flows reached the sea at Aymers Ghaut. The second explosion occurred on 8th February and produced a 15,000 ft high plume. Pyroclastic flows moved down the Gages, but did not reach the sea. On 11th February a 55 minute dome collapse event occurred. Pyroclastic flows traveled across the sea at several points on the eastern side of the island and were visible from Lookout village. Pyroclastic flow deposits have extended the coastline by several hundred metres at the old Bramble airport. Reports from aircraft indicated the plume reached a height of 50,000 ft. Ashfall was reported on neighbouring islands of Antigua, Guadeloupe and Dominica. The collapse affected the northeastern flank of the dome. The summit of the original southwest section of the dome is still intact.
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