During 20-27 October, lava-dome growth at Soufrière Hills continued and was concentrated on the NE part of the edifice. Rockfalls and small pyroclastic flows originating from the active lobe traveled down the NE flank. Several small stubby spine-like structures were observed on the SE summit region of the dome.

Based on information from the MVO, satellite imagery, and the Piarco MWO, the Washington VAAC reported that continuous ash and gas emissions during 25-31 October produced plumes that drifted NW and W. Plumes reached altitudes of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. A hotspot was detected on satellite imagery during 25-27 October and 29 October.

Geological Summary. The complex, dominantly andesitic Soufrière Hills volcano occupies the southern half of the island of Montserrat. The summit area consists primarily of a series of lava domes emplaced along an ESE-trending zone. The volcano is flanked by Pleistocene complexes to the north and south. English's Crater, a 1-km-wide crater breached widely to the east by edifice collapse, was formed about 2000 years ago as a result of the youngest of several collapse events producing submarine debris-avalanche deposits. Block-and-ash flow and surge deposits associated with dome growth predominate in flank deposits, including those from an eruption that likely preceded the 1632 CE settlement of the island, allowing cultivation on recently devegetated land to near the summit. Non-eruptive seismic swarms occurred at 30-year intervals in the 20th century, but no historical eruptions were recorded until 1995. Long-term small-to-moderate ash eruptions beginning in that year were later accompanied by lava-dome growth and pyroclastic flows that forced evacuation of the southern half of the island and ultimately destroyed the capital city of Plymouth, causing major social and economic disruption.

Sources: Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)