Ballistics

Vulcanian explosions do not only produce fine ash, but they can also send larger blocks of pumice and dome rocks flying short distances. This was a particular concern on the small island of Montserrat, as told by this resident.

Ballistics can indeed cause immense damage. The below photos show the impact of a ballistic on the Long Ground health clinic.

The Long Ground health clinic in eastern Montserrat was hit by a ballistic in 1995. At first glance, the damage is not that obvious...can you spot it? Credit: Miriam Rothenberg / Oswen Carty.

This is where the ballistic punched through the roof of the Long Ground Clinic. Credit: Miriam Rothenberg / Oswen Carty.

The ballistic destroyed a bench inside the clinic. Credit: Miriam Rothenberg / Oswen Carty.

The ballistic and its impact crater close-up. Credit: Miriam Rothenberg / Oswen Carty.

Ballistics are not only fast and heavy, they are also very hot and can cause fires. The photo below shows the Long Ground Methodist Church, which likely burned down due to a ballistic from the volcano.

The ruins of the Long Ground Methodist Church. Credit: Miriam Rothenberg / Oswen Carty.

5. Volcano island

Galway’s Wall Crisis And Collapse (1996 – 1997)

1996

1997

The Volcano & Belham

West (Plymouth)

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4. Falling ash and stones

Big Collapse And Ash Clean Up (July 2003)

2000 +

The North

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4. Falling ash and stones

Ash On A Daily Basis View >

1. Watching the Volcano

The Story Of The Rocks

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000 +

The Volcano & Belham

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1. Watching the Volcano

Volcanic Ash

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000 +

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1. Watching the Volcano

Surface Activity View >

5. Volcano island

The First Big Explosion: 17 September 1996

1996

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4. Falling ash and stones

No Matter What You Do, Ash Would Come In

The North

The Volcano & Belham

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