Volcanic Ash

Changes in ash composition can give us important clues about the activity of volcanoes. The thickness of the deposit and type of ash also provides information about the size and style of an eruption. It is also important to ensure the ash is not hazardous to health. That’s why, at times when everyone on island was struggling to rid their homes of ash, scientists regularly went out and collected ash samples to analyse their composition.

Scientist wearing an orange boiler suit walks down a hillside covered by ashes from the eruption of Soufrière Hills in 1997. Credit: Barry Lewis / Alamy.

5. Volcano island

1997 Explosions

1997

The Volcano & Belham

West (Plymouth)

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4. Falling ash and stones

Ballistics

1996

1997

2000 +

East

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

Like Day Turning To Night

1997

1998

1999

2000 +

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4. Falling ash and stones

Ash, Ash, Ash View >

4. Falling ash and stones

Almost Like Alaska View >

1. Watching the Volcano

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory View >