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MONTSERRAT VOLCANO RECENT HISTORY:
July 18, 1995:
Soufriere Hills, a stratovolcano, erupted for first time in recorded history. There were periods of intense seismic activity (strong venting of steam and ash). Minor ash spread over the area. A new vent formed southwest of Castle Peak (an old volcanic dome). People of Plymouth and other villages were moved to "safer" areas of the island.
Take a "Flight into the Inferno" and see dome activity up close. Pictures were taken by Chris Mason in Montserrat.
June 25, 1997:
An event occured leaving 10 people dead and 9 missing. British government considering permanent relocation of resident to other islands, such as Antigua.
August 3, 1997:
Pyroclastic flows (a lethal avalanche of rock, ash, and gas moving at speeds up to 100 mph and temperatures of 1,000 degrees) from Soufriere Hills reaches Plymouth. Many of the abandoned homes and businesses burn. Flows in the Gages Valley caused fires in Gages Village. Ashfalls occured in Isles bay, Ole Town, Salem and several other areas west of the volcano.
August 5, 1997: (two separate periods of activities occur on this day)
Earthquake activity causes large verticle plumes. Block of pumice up to 3" in diameter falls around the volcano. Large pyroclastic flows travel down the Tar River valley and into the sea. Flows also travelled down Tuitts and Mosquito Ghauts. Overflow material from Mosquito Ghaut went into the Farells Yard area. Ash was generated every 20 to 30 seconds after the flow activity and lasted about 40 minutes. "The center of Plymouth was burning strongly. Burning buildings that could be identified included Government Headquarters, Police Headquarters, and a [gas] station." (NYTimes, August 5, 1997)
August 6, 1997:
Volcano exploded with enough force to shower debris on the formerly "safe zone" on the north end of the island, where residents who haven't left are living. From this and other pyroclastic flows, 80% of the buildings in Plymouth are either destroyed or badly damaged. Ash deposits in the capital have grown up to 4 ft. thick Plumes of ash reach heights of 40,000 ft. and drop ash on Nevis and Antigua, islands over 25 miles away.
August 16, 1997:
A report from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory states that the central part of the island is in more danger than previously thought. The Governor of Montserrat ordered an evacuation of the towns of Flemmings, Hope, Olveston, and Salem before nightfall.
August 19, 1997:
Continuous tremors and rockfalls as well as near-continuous ash production occur from 9:15 the night before to 12:35 in the morning. Gas plumes have been common wit occassional minor explosions or ash emissions. Montserrat residents are advised to seek shelter under strong roofs and to wear helmets or any other available head protection as small rocks are likely to fall along with the ash. Masks are advised. Driving is dangerous. People living south of the Nates River were evacuated. More pyroclastic flows are expected. Evacuation is slow. Scientists warn that a "massive, cataclysmic" eruption is possible. 4,000 of the over 10,000 inhabitants remain in the only "safe" area (northern part of the island).
August 30, 1997:
Material on the north side of the dome collapsed causing several pyroclastic flows down the northern side of the volcano (Gages and Mosquito Ghaut). Fairly large (7,000 to 10,000 ft.) ash cloud accompanied these flows. Flows reach the school at Harris village. Flows are most likely to occur to the northwest, and could happen without warning.
September 3, 1997:
The dome inside the volcano is growing at a rate of 6 to 7 cubic meters per second, the most repid growth of the dome since the eruption began in 1995. A major collapse is possible at any time and could trigger major pyroclastic flows and large explosions which could shower the entire island with ash and rocks......
December 26, 1997:
The Boxing Day eruption: The dome collapses sending a large and destructive pyroclastic cloud and flows down the White River. This created a new delta where it entered the sea. Steve O'Meara has a beautiful photo of this delta. It is uncertain whether or not this delta will survive or be eroded by sea waves. Two explosions occured shortly after the collapse. An ash plume rose 36,000 feet into the air.
July 3, 1998:
Three to four minutes of intense earthquakes led to a major dome collapse producing 2 and 1/2 hours of pyroclastic flows. Most of the flow activity was down the Tar River Valley to the sea, increasing the size of the Tar River Delta (above). Ash fell over the entire island as well as nearby Nevis and St. Kitts. An ash plume reached heights of over 45,000 feet (14,000 m). Heavy rains caused mudflows. Then activity began again in the afternoon, and led to a small explosion from the dome. A dark ash plume rose 10,000 to 15,000 feet (3,000 to 4,500 m) above the volcano; and moved west over Salem, Old Towne, and Olveston. The volcano is still very dangerous, and furthur explosions and pyroclastic flows down all sides of the volcano are possible.
The Ecology:
There are many ecological implications of the volcano to the plants and animals of Montserrat (including, but not limited to the Montserrat oriole and other birds and butterflies; and the coral reefs). For a quick overview of the SEI reports, see my Ecology of Montserrat page. It also has more links to Sustainable Ecological Institute, SEI, a non-profit organization, that is trying to save the Montserrat oriole and the coral reefs, and others.
For more detailed information than presented in my concise format, try this link to the Montserrat Volcano including maps and images by Kevin West, and more...
To get more information on all presently active volcanoes, check out a site called Volcano World.
There is also a special Kid's Door to information,
games and activities for children with "Rocky" the volcano guide.
This Earth Forces Ring site is owned by WA3Z.
© 1997-2001 WA3Z,John