Magma production and growth of the lava dome of the Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat, West Indies: November 1995 to December 1997

Abstract

From November 1995 to December 1997 a total volume of 246 × 10 6 (DRE) m³ of andesite magma erupted, partitioned into 93 × 10 6 m³ of the dome, 125 × 10 6 m³ of pyroclastic flow deposits and 28 × 10 6 m³ of explosive ejecta. In the first 11 weeks magma discharge rate was low (0.5 m³/s). From February 1996 to May 1997 discharge rates have averaged 2.1 m³/s, but have fluctuated significantly and have increased with time. Three pulses lasting a few months can be recognised with discharge rates reaching 3 to 8 m³/s. Short term pulsations in growth lasting a few days reach discharge rates of over 10 m³/s and there are periods of days to a few weeks when dome growth is < 0.5 m³/s. Discharge rate increased from May 1997 with an average rate of 7.5 m³/s to December 1997. The observations indicate an open magmatic system.