What were the effects of the Soufriere Hills volcano?
The extended eruption of a lava dome at Soufrière Hills Volcano that began in 1995 generated large amounts of fine ash by (1) explosive events from the dome; and (2) frequent collapse of unstable parts of the growing dome that generated pyroclastic flows and associated plumes of ash.
What were the effects of the Montserrat volcano Eruption?
What is the environmental impact? Forests and beautiful scenery were destroyed, and the giant beaches that attract many tourists were ruined. Because of the lava erupting from the volcano, over half the island had to be evacuated to a safer part. It caused fires and mudflows, resulting in injuries or even deaths.
Can volcanic ash make you sick?
Health effects inlcude respiratory problems, eye problems, and skin irritiation. One long-term effect of volcanic ash is silicosis. Silicosis is a disease resulting in lung impairment and scarring, from exposure to particles of free crystalline silica.
What will happen if you inhale ash fall?
If inhaled, volcanic ash can cause breathing problems and damage the lungs. Inhaling large amounts of ash and volcanic gases can cause a person to suffocate. Suffocation is the most common cause of death from a volcano. Volcanic ash is very difficult to clean up.
What were the negative effects of the Montserrat eruption?
For the first time during the eruption people were killed and injured. Villages were destroyed and land previously used for farming was covered in rock and ash deposits.
What caused the Soufriere Hills volcano to erupt?
What caused the Soufrière Hills Volcano to erupt? Molten rock or magma gathers under the volcano until the pressure is so great that it is forced up through a vent towards the surface of the earth. The Soufrière Hills Volcano produces a thick sticky lava called andesite.
How does ashfall affect your body?
Short-term effects commonly include irritation of the eyes and upper airways and exacerbation of pre-existing respiratory disease such as asthma; serious health problems are rare. Medical services can expect an increased number of patients with respiratory and eye symptoms during and after ashfall.
Can volcanic ash cause respiratory problems?
Exposure to volcanic ash can trigger asthma attacks and cause wheezing, coughing, and respiratory irritation in individuals with sensitive airways.
What are the symptoms of silicosis?
These commonly include bronchitis-like symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. People also suffer from weakness, fatigue, fever, night sweats, leg swelling and bluish discoloration of the lips.
What exactly caused the 11000 inhabitants of Montserrat to be evacuated?
The most violent and intense eruptions occurred in 1997. Between 1995 and 1997 Montserrat was devastated by pyroclastic flows. The small population of the island (11,000 people) was evacuated in 1995 to the north of Montserrat as well as to neighbouring islands and the UK.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCvBv3e_3nU