Natural Hazards (Case Study) Soufrière Hills, Montserrat Flashcards
What triggered the volcanic eruption?
Above destructive plate margin, North American plate forced under Caribbean plate
When did the eruptions take place?
Between June and September 1997, with the largest eruption releasing 4-5 million m^3 of material in 20 minutes.
What were some of the economic impacts of the eruptions?
Total loss in value of homes and investments was about £1 billion
Over 20 villages and two thirds of homes were destroyed by pyroclastic flow
What social impacts were triggered due to the volcanic eruption?
19 people died and seven were injured
The population has declined, 8000 of the island’s 12000 inhabitants left after the eruption, and many still haven’t returned
Describe an environmental impact of the volcanic eruption.
The capital city, Plymouth was buried under 12m of mud and ash
How did the UK provide help with the response to the eruption?
As Montserrat is an overseas territory of the UK, the country provided £17 million of emergency aid and £41 million of long-term aid to develop north with new docks, an airport and houses.
How did the country of Montserrat itself respond?
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory has been set up to try and predict future eruptions. Scientists take thermal images of the dome to measure heat, earthquakes and monitor how the ground is bulging. They can then issue alerts.
