Soufriére Hills Volcano Ten Years On Scientific Conference starts with a blast

by Karen ‘Lioness’ Allen
Caribbean Net News News Montserrat Correspondent
Email: asklioness@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

SALEM, Montserrat. The opening ceremony for the first international scientific conference of its kind, based on volcanology, was launched in Montserrat, on Sunday, 24 July 2005, recording another of a series of historic events this year.

Bringing the Montserrat on the Move (MoM) week of activities to a close, the Soufriére Hills Volcano Ten Years On Scientific Conference is hosting over 80 scientists. This one-week conference will host some of the world’s authorities on volcanology, seismology, and geology, including persons from the US, Canada, Europe, Japan and the Caribbean.

During the opening ceremony, remarks were made by the Director of the MVO, the head of the Seismic Research Unit, H.E. the Governor, and the Hon. Chief Minister. This international conference will discuss volcanic phenomena in the Caribbean, most of which occurred in Montserrat. 

Professor Trevor Jackson, of the Office of Research for the University of the West Indies (UWI), pictured to the right, illustrated one notable message during this opening ceremony, when he told attendees that failure by governments to consult scientific work could prove costly in the long run.

Professor Jackson further justified his statement by using the ‘Wadge and Isaac’ report as an example. He indicated that this detailed report denoted Montserrat’s entire volcanic environment with special emphasis in relations to this impact on Plymouth and other parts of the southern portion of the country. Adding, had authorities paid more attention to this report, the situation, especially Plymouth southwards, may not have been so devastating.

The professor went on to urge the Caribbean to work more closely with members of the scientific community.

Now celebrating its ten-year commemorative anniversary, Montserrat has evolved as a world classed natural laboratory for volcanology. In addition, research conducted at the MVO continues to be a cornerstone of functional relevance for many scientific communities. Similarly, Montserrat’s ten years of hands on experience has coerced the country’s awareness and attention towards risk management.

On Monday, 25 July, at the conclusion of the first day’s sessions, scheduled presenters hosted a brief press conference at 4:30pm for attending media. The panel of three scientist indicated that the ten years of data received from the Soufriére Hills Volcano has caused the science of volcanology to experience great advancements. 

Professor Steve Sparks, pictured above left, went on to point out that over 500,000 people, globally, will benefit directly from the MVO’s research to date. As current advancements allow models of volcanic activity to be generated, the instances of explosive volcanic activity, without warning, could be significantly reduced.

When questioned about the impact of the current volcanic activity for Montserrat, Professor Sparks said that the risk factors have not changed. Therefore, Montserrat’s rebirth, taking place on the northern portion of the island, can continue uninterrupted.

However, when it comes to the volcano’s future, the geologist presented more of a bittersweet twist. He pointed out his professional suspicion that Montserrat’s Volcano may very well be fizzling out, but slowly. In addition, he reiterated the recent findings of a geological study conducted on Montserrat’s ocean floor.

The Professor states recently received finding of these materials reflect that the volcano shows significant periods of rest after each eruptive period that averages about 20,000 years. In essence, although no one can say when, once this eruption stops , it will be some time before Montserrat witnesses another rise of this sleeping giant.

As if sensing the need to confirm the validity of its active status, the ‘lady of the Mountain’ concluded the first day of scientific presentations with another eruption, displaying her now famous ash plume to the sheer wonder of conference participants, who were present.

   Back...

  Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed

  Printable version