From Simon Young, British Geological Survey, Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Montserrat
Rob Edwards is wide of the mark when he stresses the possibility of a
cataclysmic eruption on Montserrat
(This Week, 30 August, p 10).
The thrust of the argument is out of step with the views of many of the
world’s finest volcanologists who have visited Montserrat. The likelihood of a
cataclysmic eruption is very low.
More dangerous are the pyroclastic flows, which threaten some areas that are
still populated. For various reasons, including the lack of alternative
accommodation, the inhabitants are leaving such areas only slowly.
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We are confident of this analysis because for more than two years we have
been using state-of-the-art technology to monitor the volcano’s activity. A
dedicated team of scientists at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, led by
volcanologists from the British Geological Survey, British academia and the
University of the West Indies, is breaking new ground in our understanding of
how andesite dome-building eruptions work.
Talk of a cataclysmic eruption in the scientific media only adds to the
difficulties of the people of Montserrat. Neither does it help scientists here,
who in arduous conditions are trying to inform a frightened population about the
real dangers of the Soufrière Hills volcano.
