Eruption of Soufrerie Hills, Montserrat

The Eruption of Soufriere Hills, Montserrat Volcano on the island of Montserrat continues to erupt. Also  this true-color Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) image from the Aqua satellite. Shows on February 22, 2003, shows the thermal signature marked with a red outline. A plume of emissions—probably a mixture of smoke, ash, and water vapor. Therefore is drifting eastward from the summit. Lava domes are building up on the summit, triggering pyroclastic flows.

The volcano has been erupting off and on since 1995, when a series of long term, small-to-moderate intensity eruptions forced the evacuation of the southern half of the island. The capital city of the island was destroyed, creating social and economic upheaval. Montserrat is part of the Lesser Antilles chain of islands that have formed where the Atlantic tectonic plate and the Caribbean tectonic plate meet.

Although the Eruption of Soufrerie Hills, Montserrat caused massive amounts of damage the area can rebuild. Therefore the amount of ash smoke and vapor outlines the country. Volcanos are commonly known to erupt in this area. Also when the climate changes and the weather related problems such as storms occur. Also the country has been prepared on how to deal with such a huge volcano eruption and what the necessary precautions are to take. Therefore the city was destroyed and everyone has evacuated. Also the volcano has been on and off erupting just not as big and much damage as this time.

Credit: Image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC