Explosions with pyroclastic density currents at La Soufriere

By Caribbean News Global contributor

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent —  NEMO St Vincent and the Grenadines reports that the volcano continues to erupt explosively and has now begun to generate pyroclastic density currents. Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days.

The Dome at the La Soufriere has collapsed and pyroclastic flows along the valleys on the eastern and western coast at approximately 4:15 am.

The UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC) team said that they observed a large explosion at approximately 4:15 am and pyroclastic density currents (flows) have been observed on the flanks of the volcano.

According to the Scientists at SRC: “the domes have already been destroyed and ejected. The eruption cloud went into the atmosphere and then collapsed causing PDCs.”

A view of today’s eruption at the La Soufrière Volcano seen by NOAA Satellite and Information Service GOES-16. This is associated with a large explosion and pyroclastic flows. The ash cloud appears to reach approximately 17 km (55,000ft) altitude.

La Soufriere scientific update – 12/04/21 6:00 am:

1. Since midday on April 11, the time between episodes of high-amplitude tremor has lengthened from 1.5-4 hours to 5-8 hours.
2. The episodes continue to coincide with periods of enhanced venting or explosive activity.
3. Small volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded starting at about 6:00pm on 11 April.
4. At about 4:15 am observations from the Belmont Observatory indicated that pyroclastic density currents (PDC) entered multiple valleys surrounding the volcano.
5. Pyroclastic density currents are hot (200°C-700°C), ground-hugging flows of ash and debris.
6. Analysis of satellite imagery and comparison with previous images indicate that the
7. explosive eruptions thus far have destroyed the pre-existing domes (1979 and 2020-21)
8. The current explosions are being generated from a new vent.
9. The volcano continues to erupt explosively and has now begun to generate pyroclastic density currents.
10. Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days.

Visit the International Volcanic Hazard Health Network for volcanic ash information resources.

La Soufriere volcano ash plume: More of the same on day three