Monitoring

MVO staff were able to carry out a detailed photographic and thermal survey of the dome on 18 March 2009. This was possible because the presence of the helicopter coincided with excellent viewing conditions. The results of this survey will be used to update MVO's model of the dome.

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Measurements of the gas emissions from the volcano have been carried out throughout the eruption. These measurements have constituted an important input to the assessment of volcanic risk. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) are the species routinely monitored, primarily by remote sensing techniques.

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Recording and analysing volcanic earthquakes has been an important monitoring tool throughout the eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. This Seismic Monitoring relies on a network of seismic stations, which has been continuously improved during the progress of the eruption. A network of three stations had been put in place by the Seismic Research Unit (currently, Seismic Research Centre) prior to the eruption. This was expanded during the first few weeks of the eruption with equipment and assistance from the USGS/VDAP program.

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The environmental effects of the eruption have been routinely monitored throughout the eruption. This has included the measurement of ambient sulphur dioxide (SO₂) concentrations at ground level, the monitoring of fine dust particles in the air, and the measurement of the pH of rainwater.

Read more: Environmental Monitoring