The ongoing eruption of the lava dome from the volcano's summit crater continues to require constant vigil by scientists of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), and we continue to collaborate with MVO scientists to improve their monitoring capabilities and evaluate current hazards. Since early 1997, we've supplied two new tiltmeters and radio telemetry systems that are now providing excellent data about the changing rate of dome growth and its relationship to seismicity and to the generation of pyroclastic flows. Data from the tiltmeters have allowed scientists to visit the volcano in times between pyroclastic flows, enhancing safety of scientists involved in monitoring the volcano and its eruptions. Also, several USGS scientists have worked at MVO this year to strengthen the monitoring team at the observatory.
In response to the ongoing intermittent explosive eruptions of Popocatépetl, we just completed the installation of an experimental doppler radar at the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) in Mexico City. The radar enhances CENAPRED's monitoring capabilities by permitting scientists to confirm in real time that an explosive eruption has occurred either at night or when poor weather prevents visual confirmation that an eruption cloud has formed. The transportable radar "paints" ash-filled eruption clouds when they exist above the volcano and provides scientists with a cloud height and a rough indication of relative ash concentration in the cloud. Though its use is still experimental, when used in conjunction with seismic monitoring the radar can provide critical information about eruptive vigor and hence the immediate potential volcano hazards to nearby communities. The USGS doppler radar will remain on loan to CENAPRED for six or more months.
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