The Montserrat Volcano Observatory continues to investigate the sinkhole which was discovered last week on the North West Bluff of the island.
MVO Director Rod Stewart told Discover “we are doing lots of investigations on the ground. We are also considering what instruments we can deploy into the sinkhole.”
Last week, the scientists posted video of steam coming from the hole on their social media page. Stewart said initial tests of the steam did not show any sulphur or any other gases, adding that “further tests may follow.”
The hole was said to have been first cited by a helicopter pilot who notified the MVO of the find. The observatory has a GPS station on the North West Bluff, which they check at least once a month.
They have now added a “seismometer, and a second GPS station, close to the sinkhole and will deploy more equipment this week to test for any movement of the ground.”
The director has said in radio interviews that the appearance of the sinkhole is not connected to volcanic activity at Soufriere Hills, which remains quiet. He added announcements were made about the hole to alert people who may wander into the area and are unaware it is there.
You can follow the MVO on their Facebook page here or on their website at www.mvo.ms.
