Seismicity

Seismometers can detect different types of small earthquakes within the volcano, which can tell us something about how magma moves in the interior of the volcano. In that sense, seismometers help us ‘see’ inside the volcano.

Long-period earthquakes have a shape that tells us about the disturbance and movement of gas-filled magma.

Volcano-tectonic and hybrid earthquakes have frequencies that imply rock is being broken and magma is moving inside the volcano.

Seismometers can help us pick up characteristics of earthquakes that are so small people can’t even feel them. However, at several points during the 20th century, volcanic earthquakes on Montserrat were so strong that they destroyed buildings. And in the early stages of the eruption in 1995 and 1996, earthquakes frequently shook the island, as described in the Song ‘Seismicity’ by Zunky N’Dem.

Seismicity

‘Seismicity, seismicity / A feature of this 20th century
Our forefather witnessed / And now we see
This land this land / Paran in seismicity

Back in the thirties / Earthquake shook the hills
Upscale on the Richter / Wrecked churches and mills
Coming and coming / More frequent than rain
Affecting the main crops / Limes, cotton and cane

Oo la la
Emerald city seismicity
Emerald city seismicity
We’re living in a seismic city
Full of seismicity
Montserrat is a seismic city
Full of seismicity
Long ground is a seismic city
Full of seismicity
Plymouth is a seismic city
Full of seismicity

We now know

People that count of history / The future will not be a mystery
Truth otherwise hidden will come to light / Any sign of activity is proof of life

Examine the sixties (Seismicity)
Increased emissions (Seismicity)
As Galways and Gages (Seismicity)
They kicked up a storm (Seismicity)
Steam from the crater (Seismicity)
Sulphur in the air (Seismicity)
Creating concern (Seismicity)
For over a year (Seismicity)

[Chorus]

Research and investigation / Ignored by this generation
Now scientific forecast / Has come to pass
Still one unanswered question / How long will it last

A thirty-year cycle / Action once again
This time most crucial / Causing much pain
Eruption eruption / People on the run
Evacuation / Contingency plan

[Chorus]’

– Song 'Seismicity' by Zunky 'n Dem