montserrat

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  • Montserrat Volcanic Eruption-   1995 (July 28th) -1997 (June 25th)
    • Background
      • small island on caribbean
      • Dormant for 350 yrs- lots of energy stored
      • volcanic area located in the south of the island on Soufriere Hills called Chances Peak
      • Causes
        • N.American plate subducts below caribbean plate- Destructive plate margin
          • phreatic eruptions (steam driven explosions d.t heating of water)- gas & ash indicated  magma is moving
        • 1997- most intense eruptions
        • Started 1995- Volcano gave warning signs of eruption (small earthquakes and eruptions of dust  & ash)
      • dome shape, viscous lava, andesitic lava (acidic) rich in silica, lots of air bubbles, explosive, not frequent
    • Long term effects
      • Lahars covered golf course
      • Wildlife have to compete
      • Volcano releases so2 = acid rain-> killing plants/ reducing growth-> less food for animals-> may die out
      • Breathing problems
      • Businesses effected
      • Biggest problem- rebuilding & maintaining culture lost
    • immediate responses
      • Evacuation areas in plymouth- small group evacuated in 1995 to the North of Montserrat, neighbouring islands & UK
      • Temporary shelters- 12 per room (cramped and unsanitary)
      • Abandonment of the capital city
      • British gov gave money for compensation & redev
      • Dutch & French helicopters sent along with British navy to assist Emergency Support Unit
      • Red Cross gave food,water & shelter
      • £2,600 compensation for every adult= riots as many said it wasn't enough
    • Long term responses
      • 1996- some relocated to the UK
      • Authorities are trying to reduce exposure to risks
      • volcanic observatory built to monitor volcano
        • Monitoring 24hrs/day to encourage ppl to return
      • Exclusion zone set up in the volcanic region
      • New roads & airports built
      • Services in the north of the island were expanded
      • Growth of tourism d.t volcano- economic benefit
      • Conserving & re-establishing coral reefs- artificial reefs have been developed to attract tourists/divers
      • Heat from underground- cheap elec
    • Short term effects
      • Old airport destroyed by pyroclastic flow
      • Old valley floor covered in 10m of tephra- Belem Valley
      • Destroyed mountain chicken frogs' habitats
      • Water made v.acidic
      • Heavy ash fall have effects on insects
      • Coral reefs covered with ash
      • Had biggest impact on Plymouth (Capital)- pop of 4500
      • Clogged car engines & machinery
      • 19 killed

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