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Source: http://www.thespec.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/720726
Montserrat volcano shoots ash plume
February 12, 2010
The Associated Press
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Feb 12, 2010)
A volcano on Montserrat shot ash some 15 kilometres into the sky yesterday, one of its most dramatic events since a devastating 1997 eruption that drove away half the Caribbean island's population.
The partial collapse of the dome in the volcano's crater also unleashed flows of hot gas and rocks, triggering sirens for the evacuation of about 20 people from a nearby village.
Paul Cole, director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, said it appeared to be the most material ejected by the volcano in about four years. He estimated 10 per cent to 15 per cent of the hardened lava dome had collapsed.
"When we're looking at the lava dome now, there's a large scoop out of it that's missing," Cole said.
The dome has crumbled several times since the volcano became active in 1995, and Cole said it is possible activity will settle down as the dome builds itself up again.
He said there is no immediate cause for concern about more dangerous eruptions.
Montserrat volcano shoots ash plume
February 12, 2010
The Associated Press
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Feb 12, 2010)
A volcano on Montserrat shot ash some 15 kilometres into the sky yesterday, one of its most dramatic events since a devastating 1997 eruption that drove away half the Caribbean island's population.
The partial collapse of the dome in the volcano's crater also unleashed flows of hot gas and rocks, triggering sirens for the evacuation of about 20 people from a nearby village.
Paul Cole, director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, said it appeared to be the most material ejected by the volcano in about four years. He estimated 10 per cent to 15 per cent of the hardened lava dome had collapsed.
"When we're looking at the lava dome now, there's a large scoop out of it that's missing," Cole said.
The dome has crumbled several times since the volcano became active in 1995, and Cole said it is possible activity will settle down as the dome builds itself up again.
He said there is no immediate cause for concern about more dangerous eruptions.