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Seismic activity under Pelée volcano, Martinique

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Seismic activity continues at slightly above background levels at Martinique's Pelée volcano. From May 28 to June 4, 2021, the L'Observatoire Volcanologique et Sismologique de Martinique (OVSM) registered at least 11 volcanic-tectonic earthquakes of magnitude less than 0.2. Since December 2020, the volcano has been under Yellow Alert Level.

According to OVSM, the Pelée volcano remains restless, with at least 11 volcanic-tectonic earthquakes detected in a week. The previous week had shown seven quakes. 

The tremblors occurred inside the volcanic edifice at altitudes between sea level and 500 m (1 640 feet), possibly showing movements of volcanic fluids such as gases, hydrothermal water solutions, or small amounts of magma.

"This volcano-tectonic-type superficial seismicity is associated with the formation of microfractures in the volcanic edifice," the OVSM stated in their weekly bulletin.

"During phases of volcanic reactivation, periods of higher seismic activity often alternate with phases of weaker seismicity. Seismicity above the baseline is always recorded. No other changes were noted in the activity of Mount Pelée."

"The main area of ​​heavily degraded vegetation is still observed on the southwest flank of Mount Pelée, between the upper Claire River and the Chaude River. These observations reflect the variable dynamics of the processes of magmatic and hydrothermal origin at Mount Pelée in line with its renewed activity since April 2019."

Since 2019, the volcano has been showing signs of unrest, which indicates that it could awaken in the future. The volcano has also been under a Yellow alert level since December 4, 2020.

The decision to transition the alert level to Yellow (2 of 4) corresponds to a strengthening of the observation resources deployed by the OVSM and the mobilization of additional resources (human and instrumental resources) at the IPGP in order to better monitor and analyze the situation in real-time, functioning and evolution of the volcanic system.

Pelée, the deadliest volcano of the 20th century, had its last eruption in 1932.

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Image credit: Radio Caraibes International Martinique

Geological summary

Renowned Montagne Pelée, forming the northern end of the island of Martinique, is the most active volcano of the Lesser Antilles arc.

Three major edifice failures since the late Pleistocene, the last about 9 000 years ago, have left large horseshoe-shaped calderas breached to the SW inside which the modern volcano has been constructed.

More than 20 major eruptions have occurred here during the past 5 000 years.

Extensive pyroclastic-flow deposits, incised by steep-walled ravines, mantle the slopes of the volcano.

The l'Etang Sec summit crater is filled by two lava domes emplaced during the 1902 and 1929 eruptions. Historical eruptions date back to the 18th century; only two modest phreatic or phreatomagmatic eruptions took place prior to 1902.

The catastrophic 1902 eruption, which destroyed the city of St. Pierre, the "Pearl of the Lesser Antilles," became the type-example of pelean eruptions and marked the onset of modern volcanological studies of the behavior of pyroclastic flows. (GVP)

Featured image credit: Radio Caraibes International Martinique

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4 Comments

  1. We are right around the corner to this change. Look for the implementation of the central bank digital coin, followed by natural disasters on a scale never before seen. Then, look for Vesuvius or Plee to erupt. “look to Orion for the sign”

  2. Watch Mt. Pelee and/or Mt. Vesuvius. Whether you believe in prophecy or not, it doesn’t hurt to keep a close watch on this – which would be wise in my opinion, especially if you have loved ones in CA, including far inland – It’s going to be massive folks if this comes to fruition. Edgar Cayce (The Sleeping Prophet) gave these prophecies mid-late 1930’s.

    Here’s what he predicted:

    According to Edgar Cayce (Sleeping Prophet), there’s going to be a massive inundation of California. This will occur exactly within 3 months after a major Mt. Vesuvius or Mt Pelee eruption.

    Here’s what he said:
    “If there are the greater activities in the Vesuvius, or Pelee, then the southern coast of California – and the areas between Salt Lake and the southern portions of Nevada – may expect, within the three months following same, an inundation by the earthquakes. But these, as we find, are to be more in the southern than in the northern hemisphere.” ~ Edgar Cayce, READING 270-35 ,21st day of January, 1936

    He predicted a tidal wave to hit California and another in the southern portion of Japan 9 years earlier (Note: He’s not refering here to Fukushima – that one will look like a baby in comparison).

    “As for the weather conditions, and the effect same will produce on various portions of the earth’s sphere, and this in its relation to the conditions in man’s affairs: As has been oft given, Jupiter and Uranus influences in the affairs of the world appear the strongest on or about October 15th to 20th – when there may be expected in the minds, the actions – not only of individuals but in various quarters of the globe, destructive conditions as well as building. In the affairs of man many conditions will arise that will be very, very, strange to the world at present – in religion, in politics, in the moral conditions, and in the attempt to curb or to change such, see? For there will be set in motion [that indicating] when prohibition will be lost in America, see? Violent wind storms – two earthquakes, one occurring in California, another in Japan – tidal waves following, one to the southern portion of the isles near Japan.” ~ Edgar Cayce, READING 195-32, 27th day of August, 1926

    “The earth will be broken up in many places. The early portion will see a change in the physical aspect of the west coast of America. There will be open waters appear in the northern portions of Greenland. There will be new lands seen off the Caribbean Sea, and DRY land will appear. There will be the falling away in India of much of the material suffering that has been brought on a troubled people.

    In America in the political forces we see a re-stabilization of the powers of the peoples in their own hands, a breaking up of the rings, the cliques in many places. South America shall be shaken from the uppermost portion to the end, and in the Antarctic off of Tierra Del Fuego LAND, and a strait with rushing waters.”
    ~Edgar Cayce, READING 3976-15, 19th day of January 1934

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