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Volcanoes in the Carribean: news & activity updates
Friday, Apr 06, 2012
 The new vent at Soufrière Hills volcano (Greg Scott, Caribbean Helicopters)
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory reports that a new vent has been observed in the location where ash venting occurred on 23 March 2012. The vent is located in the floor of the 11 February 2010 collapse scar, immediately south of the remnants of the old English’s Crater wall and southwest of the long-lived hottest fumarole previously identified. It is estimated that the vent is between 30 and 50 m across. ...moreNo further ash venting has occurred since 23 March. [ less] [ read all]
Monday, Apr 02, 2012
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory reports a significant decrease in the activity of Soufrière Hills volcano. ...moreNo 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. [ less] [ read all]
Friday, Mar 23, 2012
 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. ...moreThe ash emissions began at around 8 am local time on 23 March, following 2 volcanic earthquake swarms on 22 and 23 March, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) reports. [ less] [ read all]
Wednesday, Mar 14, 2012
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. ...moreThe 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." [ less] [ read all]
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