Research

Background

My research involves utilizing satellite data and trajectory models to analyze the ash cloud from the Boxing Day 1997 eruption of Soufriere Hills volcano, Montserrat. In order to create a comprehensive reconstruction of the ash cloud I am researching the entire history of it, from the generation of the pyroclastic density current that produced it, until the ash in the cloud is below satellite detection limits.

Soufriere Hills volcano has been active since 1995, with eruptions that produce large quantities of ash. Due to intense pyroclastic flows a majority of the island has been evacuated with only ~4,000 of the original ~12,000 inhabitants still residing there.

Soufriere Hills Volcano with Plymoth in the foreground

The pyroclastic flows caused massive devstation as can be seen in the image of Plymouth below. The town is no longer inhabitable. Many of the home's and businesses' roofs have caved in and everything is covered with ash.


Plymouth July 1999

Here are some links that deal with the Soufriere Hills Volcano activity:

  • Montserrat Volcano Observatory Page

  • Volcano World Eruption Update

    Thesis

    Analysis of the Evolution of the Ash and Water-rich Clouds From the Boxing Day (December 26) 1997 Eruption of Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat, W.I. Using Satellite Data and Trajectory Models


    Abstract

    The Boxing Day eruption was the largest Soufriere Hills volcano eruption to date and several satellites , which makes for an interesting case study.

    The goal of my thesis is to extract as much information as possible about the Boxing Day eruption by analyzing various satellite and trajectory model data. Examples of the images from the various satellites we utilize is shown below.

    GOES 8: Ash cloud over the course of the day

    AVHHR: Ash cloud at 1739 Z with coresponding position of ash cloud in GOES 8 image at a similar time

    SeaWiFS: Ash cloud at ~1700 Z

    TOMS SO2: Ash Cloud at 1543Z

    TOMS Aerosal Index: Ash cloud at 1543Z