Seismic Research Unit Deploys Two Scientists from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Two scientists based at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory are scheduled to join their colleagues from the UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC) to provide support as effusive eruptions continue at La Soufriere Volcano in St. Vincent.
Adam Stinton
Dr. Thomas “TC” Christopher and Dr. Adam Stinton, will be traveling to Kingstown later this week.
They will be involved in gathering data from the dome and crater through temperature and photogrammetry measurements and gas measurements using a MultiGAS and spectrometer.
Last December, scientists assessing data from satellites identified thermal anomalies at the La Soufrière volcano, indicating magma close to the surface.
Seismic activity at the volcano has also increased, which indicates there may be an imminent volcanic eruption.
The SRC and the National Emergency Management Office for St. Vincent are releasing daily updates and continue to caution residents against visiting the volcano.
The latest SRC statement explains that Seismic stations are being set up, this week, at various points on the island including Owoa and Fancy, as well as areas closer to the volcano.
It said that there was successful installation of a GPS station at Georgetown with a total of three stations currently streaming data to SRC.
The SRC emphasizes that the continuing hotspot anomaly being recorded by NASA FIRMS results from the presence of the new dome….stressing that Satellite imagery obtained through the Monitoring Unrest from Space (MOUNTS) Project indicate that the dome is detectable by orbiting earth satellites.
It states that the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has suspended all face to face community meetings to update residents on the present state of La Soufriere Volcano until further notice due to the revised protocols for mass gathering implemented by the Health Services Sub-Committee of NEMO.
Information to communities will be communicated virtually.
The National Emergency Management Organization is reminding the public that no evacuation order or notice has been issued.
Thomas “TC” Christopher