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Soufriere Hills volcano (Montserrat) calms down

Mon, 2 Apr 2012, 10:05 | BY: T
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory reports a significant decrease in the activity of Soufrière Hills volcano.
No more phreatic explosions and ash-venting episodes have been observed since 23 March. Seismic activity has returned to a low level as well and zone C on the island was reopened for day-time visits.
However, the volcano shows strong sulfur dioxide emission, suggesting that fresh magma might be flowing into a shallow reservoir. During 24-26 March, extremely high levels of SO2 emission rates were measured, up to 4,594 tonnes per day, the third highest value measured in 10 years.
During the rest of the past week, levels were much lower at about 400 t/d average.
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory keeps hazard level at 2.

Previous news

Wed, 28 Mar 2012, 06:00

Soufriere Hills volcano (Montserrat) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 28 March-3 April 2012 (New Activity / Unrest)

MVO reported that during 24-30 March activity at the Soufrière Hills lava dome was generally at a low level and no ash-venting episodes had been detected since 23 March. The average sulfur dioxide emission rate measured during the week was 1,320 tonnes per day with a minimum of 264 and a maximum of 4,594, which was the third-highest value recorded in the last ten years. High values occurred between 24 and 26 March, averaging 2,550 tonnes per day over the three days. ... Read all
Fri, 23 Mar 2012, 22:29

Soufriere Hills volcano (Montserrat): phreatic explosions suggest rising magma

Ash venting at Soufriere Hills volcano on 23 March (Photo: MVO)
New ash eruptions have occurred at Soufriere Hills volcano on Montserrat. The activity is probably phreatic in origin and caused by rising magma under the volcano. ... 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