Book Description

Volcanic eruptions are complex and inherently uncertain, making the management of a potentially explosive eruption on a small island with limited resources extremely difficult. This volume presents scientific findings from the 2020–21 eruption of La Soufrière Volcano, on the island of St Vincent in the Eastern Caribbean. This involved three months of effusive activity that escalated rapidly to 13 days of explosive activity, beginning with an intense two days of near-continuous ash venting and explosions. The book contains an introduction and 17 papers, split into two parts: the first presents geological and volcanological advances, whereas the second documents and analyses the impacts of the eruption and the challenges presented for the management of the volcanic crisis. This volume represents both significant contributions to the knowledge of the Soufrière eruptive system and important insights into the ways and means by which volcanic eruptions of this type impact on populations at risk. It also provides detailed insights into the most effective communication processes through this type of crisis.