Montserrat

Hincks, Thea, Sparks, R. Stephen J., Dunkley, Peter and Cole, Paul (2005) Montserrat. In, Lindsay, Jan M, Robertson, Richard E A, Shepherd, John B and Ali, Shahiba (eds.) Volcanic Hazard Atlas of the Lesser Antilles. Trinidad and Tobago. The UWI Seismic Research Unit, The University of the West Indies.

Abstract

Montserrat has one active volcanic centre, the Soufrière Hills Volcano. The volcano is formed of a cluster of andesite
domes with flanks of associated pyroclastic deposits and volcaniclastic sediments and has an active history that can be
traced back at least 175 ka. A major volcanic eruption started in July 1995 and has continued through to the time of
writing (December 2004) with production of 0.5 km3
of andesite. It is one of the largest volcanic events in historical
times in the Caribbean and the first eruption on Montserrat since settlement by Europeans in 1632 AD. The eruption has
been characterised by formation of a dome of hornblende andesite associated with pyroclastic flows (generated both by
dome collapse and Vulcanian explosions), copious ash fall and reworking of pyroclastic deposits by mudflows, floods,
and wind. Other significant activity includes a small sector collapse of the southwest flanks on December 26, 1997, which
formed a debris avalanche and lateral volcanic blast. Scientists at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) have closely
documented the eruption, employing a wide variety of techniques to monitor seismicity, ground deformation, dome growth,
gas emissions and environmental impacts. The eruption has caused extensive social and economic upheaval on Montserrat.
Much of the island’s infrastructure has been destroyed, about two-thirds of the island now lies abandoned (including the
capital Plymouth) and the population has dropped from a pre-eruption high of 10,500 to about 4,300. An exclusion zone has
been defined to encompass the area of highest hazard, with the boundaries being occasionally adjusted to reflect changes
in volcanic activity.

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Contributors

Author: Thea Hincks

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