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Soufrière Hills volcano (Montserrat): small pyroclastic flow from dome with no warning

Wed, 14 Mar 2012, 11:52 | BY: T
A small pyroclastic flow occurred from Montserrat's Soufrière Hills volcano on 9 March, MVO reports. The flow was small, but happened with no warning at around 5:20 pm (local time) from the western flanks of Soufriere Hills Volcano down into Spring Ghaut.
The pyroclastic flow traveled about 1 km to the west towards Plymouth before its ash dissipated to form a small ash cloud rising 1.3 km and drifting towards St. Georges Hill and out to sea. MVO has published further details and photographs of this event which is significant as it occurred during a quiet phase of the volcano with no current active lava dome growth and illustrates the hazard of sudden pyroclastic flows.
"There were no precursors to this event. Although activity has generally been low, this event clearly illustrates that Soufrière Hills Volcano is still an active volcano and that pyroclastic flows can occur at any time with little to no warning."

Previous news

Wed, 14 Mar 2012, 06:00

Soufriere Hills volcano (Montserrat) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 14 March-20 March 2012 (Continuing Activity)

MVO reported that on 9 March at 1720 a small pyroclastic flow from the Soufrière Hills lava dome traveled about 1.75 km W down Spring Ghaut and produced a small ash cloud that rose 1.2 km and drifted W. During 9-16 March activity was at a low level. The Hazard Level remained at 2. ... Read all
Thu, 2 Feb 2012, 00:01

Soufrière Hills volcano () activity update: small incandscent spots at lava dome

20-27 January activity at the Soufrière Hills lava dome was at a low level. Small areas of incandescence emanated from the lava dome at night, similar to observations noted in recent months. On 27 January a small lahar descended from the W side of the lava dome. Read all
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Soufriére Hills volcano dome satellite image by (c) Google Earth View
Soufriére Hills volcano dome satellite image by (c) Google Earth View
Stratovolcano, lava dome 915 m / 3002 ft (changing!)
Montserrat, West Indies (UK), 16.72°N / -62.18°W
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5) Soufriere Hills volcano eruptions:
2005-2013, 2004, 1995-2003
1550 ± 50 years, 1480 ± 50 years, 1180 (?), 2460 BC ± 70 years, 4050 BC (?), 8050 BC ± 2000 years
Typical eruption style
Explosive. Construction of lava domes.
Montserrat Island by (c) Google Earth View
Montserrat Island by (c) Google Earth View