According to Professor Richard Robertson, the La Soufriere volcano has entered into a pattern of eruptions followed by long period earthquakes. He said that this pattern started on Monday April 12th.
Professor Robertson said that in his team’s interpretation these patterns are an indication that the magma within the volcano is trying to move upwards, possibly to form a new dome but lacks enough gas to do so. Robertson said that sometimes it builds up enough pressure to break through, which results in the eruption plumes. He said the eruptions had decreased in intensity and that the duration of time between these events has increased, saying that the volcano’s strength to produce a big bang is decreasing.
Robertson said we had not experienced a lot of activity until 4 AM Thursday morning, where there was a smaller explosion which did not see the ash and other material being pushed very far up. He said this plume did not surpass 4000 feet, more steam than ash was emitted, and whatever ash was released sent to the west of the island.
