The dome in St Vincent’s LA SOUFRIÈRE volcano is growing laterally towards the east and west and is slightly higher and bigger than before. Thermal images were taken to determine the distribution of heat on the new dome; however, conditions were not good for an estimate of temperature.
“The scientists will need to repeat this exercise as the gases coming out of the volcano were moving around and therefore difficult to measure,” a release from the island’s National Emergency Unit confirmed. The scientists, however, have reported that carbon dioxide is also one of the gases coming out of the volcano, along with Sulphur Dioxide.
Carbon Dioxide does not have a smell and can be fatal.
During the survey of the crater, special cameras took photographs of the dome that will be used to estimate its volume.
The alert level remains at Orange as the volcano continues to exude magma on the surface and steam can still be observed from the Belmont Observatory. Persons living in areas close to the volcano should expect strong sulphur smells for several days to weeks, depending on changes in wind direction.