Newsletter

A recent visit by volcanologists studying Dominica has identified one new fault in the North of Dominica cutting through the Picard river valley eastward between Mt. Diablotin and Mt. Turner.

Temperatures exceeding 129 degrees C were measured at the under-sea vents in Prince Rupert's Bay. These temperatures were the highest recorded on the island. Data loggers were placed in the vents by a local diver and left there for 10 days.

An inspection of the cliffs along the northern coast from Capuchin to Penville confirmed the presence of a fault running east-west. These cliffs, part of the Mt. Au Diables volcano are made up of relatively young unconsolidated material. Inaccessibility of these cliffs made charcoal hunting impossible.

Dominica is a dynamic place with lots more to be explored and discovered. It was agreed that a lot more surveys, identification of hot spots and monitoring needs to be done regularly.

The Public Seismic Network is committed to assist in the monitoring of Dominica's geologic processes in whatever way we can. With community support, man power and funding, a lot can be accomplished.

We are constantly looking to upgrade and augment the equipment that we use for monitoring in order to maintain accurate readings and data. We are currently trying to raise funds to purchase the following equipment for monitoring the fumaroles.

3 - Waterproof Temperature Data loggers. This instrument will be inserted into the under-water fumaroles and left there to collect data over a period of time. It is programmed using a computer to take temperature samples at set time periods. Its waterproof, stainless steel housing allows us to place it in the vents under the sea for weeks at a time. The data can then be downloaded unto a computer for analysis, storage and dissemination via this website.

1 Conductivity/TDS/Temperature Meter. This meter is used on the field to accurately measure the temperature, conductivity and amount of total dissolved solids in sampled material from the fumaroles.

1 pH meter. This is used to accurately measure pH of samples taken from fumaroles.

The data gathered from the periodic sampling of fumaroles and hot springs act as an early warning for increasing volcanic activity.

After discussions with geologists we realize that there is a need for surveying the under-water features around Dominica. Some time ago the northern coast was done and a few under-water volcanic domes were identified. High cost of equipment and manpower for that type of work makes it difficult to conduct these surveys over the entire coastline of Dominica.

We believe that if we purchase some select equipment, we will be able to assist significantly by locating and identifying features for future detailed surveys and study.

To meet this goal, we are considering seeking funding for the purchase of a portable side scan sonar. US$20,000 can get us a decent system with enough cable, GPS equipment, computer and software to carry out surveys at depths of 500 feet or more.

Earthquake monitoring, a vital part of the entire monitoring process has been halted unexpectedly. The data logging computer has stopped working. This is the second computer we have lost in six months. We are currently seeking donations of a computer so we can continue our monitoring.

Now may be an opportune time to upgrade our A/D controller to a serial A/D. Our two A/D converters are 16 bit computer boards but the new computers all have PCI slots. If we receive a new computer we won't be able to install our present boards into it thus the need for a A/D converter.

The PSN is actively working on increasing the range and density of its seismic network. We have identified two new locations for installing remote seismometers. One will be located along the western flanks of Mt. Au Diable and the other, south of Portsmouth on a dome probably associated with Mt. Diablotin volcano. Both sites are quiet and have AC power. We are contemplating relocating the Cotton Hill station PSDMB to a quieter location about 1/2 mile to the east.

We gladly welcome two new members to the group. They are Jeremiah Vidal and Irving Jean-Jacques. Irving is an electronics technician and will be an asset to us. Jeremiah is a banker but loves the outdoors. He is looking forward to participating in the group's field trips.

Plans are still being made to have our first ever community outreach drive. This has put some pressure on Thesser and Wayne who both have their hands filled with their personal and other PSN affairs. The decision was made to have other members take mantle. Final plans will be made at our next steering committee meeting.