Volcano Case Study: Montserrat, Soufriere Hills Volcano

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

Subduction zone where Caribbean Plate and Atlantic plate are moving towards each other and Oceanic subducts

Question 2

Effects

Answer 2

23 deaths and over 100 injured
Main airport and port closed
The capital of Plymouth was covered in ash
Ongoing problems of respiratory diseases
Population fell from 12000 (1995) to 1500 (2001)
Housing shortages led to 70% increase in rent
High levels of unemployment
Impact on tourism (major industry)
Environmental damage to beaches, forests,
wildlife and offshore coral reefs.

Question 3

Responses

Answer 3

5000 evacuated to safe North zone of island from towns like Salem and Plymouth
Royal Navy sent ships to evacuate 4000 to Antigua
Islanders were offered £2500 to move to UK
UK sent £41 million in relief and £75 million to assist in long term

Question 4

General information

Answer 4

Montserrat is a small island situated in the Caribbean which is 12 miles long and 7 miles wide
Economy based on tourism, fishing and farming
July 1995-first eruption
June 1997-deadliest eruption