Restless Earth: Volcanic Eruption Flashcards
1
Q
Volcano?
A
Soufrière Hills volcano in Monserrat
2
Q
When did it erupt?
A
June 25th 1997 and small eruptions started in July 1995
3
Q
What was the size of eruption?
A
- Large eruption
* 4-5 million m3 of rocks and gas released
4
Q
Facts
A
•19 people died
•Monserrat above destructive plate margin where NA plate forced under Caribbean plate
•Plasma rose through weak points under soufriere hills forming pool of magma.
Rock above pool collapsed opening vent causing eruption
5
Q
Primary impacts
A
- 19 people died and 7 injured
- Vegetation and farmland destroyed
- Schools,hospitals,airport and port destroyed
- Over 20 villages and 2/3 of homes destroyed by pyroclastic flows
6
Q
Secondary impacts
A
- Tourists stayed away and businesses destroyed leaving disrupted economy
- Volcanic ash improved soil fertility
- Population decline-8000/12000 remained
- Fires destroyed buildings like government offices
7
Q
Immediate responses
A
- People evacuated from south to north
- Shelters built to house evacuees
- Temporary infrastructure built-roads and electricity supplies
- Uk provided £17 million emergency aid
8
Q
Long term responses
A
- Uk provided £41 million to develop north of island
- Monserrat volcano observatory set up to try predict future eruptions
- Risk map created and exclusion zone in place
