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

R. S. J. Sparks, S. R. Young, J. Barclay, E. S. Calder, P. Cole, B. Darroux, T. H. Druitt, C. Harford, R. A. Herd, R. Hoblitt, M. R. James, A. M. LeJeune, R. Robertson, M. V. Stasiuk, N. F. Stevens, J. Toothill, G. Wadge

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Abstract

From November 1995 to December 1997 a total volume of 246 × 106 (DRE) m³ of andesite magma erupted, partitioned into 93 × 106 m³ of the dome, 125 × 106 m³ of pyroclastic flow deposits and 28 × 106 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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3421-3424
Number of pages4
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume25
Issue number18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Sept 1998

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