G

LA SOUFRIERE
VOLCANO
G E O G R A P H Y

M A Y 4 T H 2 0 2 3
 4 T E C H 2

J' A N N A H G A R D I N E R

LA SOUFRIERE 4 T E C H 1

VOLCANO
A N E S H A VA RUS

GROUP MEMBERS
 La Soufrière is located in the St Vincent and
the Grenadines on the northern end of the
island of St. Vincent in the Caribbean at

Name and
16.0442° N, 61.6636° W. It is the highest
point on the island, with an elevation of
Location of 1,234 metres (4,049 feet).

Volcano
 La Soufrière is an active stratovolcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,
located on the northern end of the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. The
volcano was formed by the Caribbean Tectonic Plate overriding the North
American Tectonic Plate. The volcano has a long history of eruptions, with
the most recent major eruption occurring in 1979. This eruption lasted for
several months and resulted in significant damage to the island's

Description of
infrastructure, including the capital city of Kingstown.

La Soufrière erupted again in April 2021. Eruptions at La Soufrière began in

the
April and continued into May, with explosive eruptions producing ash
plumes that reached as high as 10 km (6.2 miles) and pyroclastic flows

La Soufriere
that travelled down the volcano's slopes. The eruptions caused significant
damage with several explosive eruptions that sent ash and volcanic gases
into the atmosphere, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents from

Volcano
the surrounding areas

According to the Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, La

Soufrière has erupted at least eight times since the 18th century. The most
significant eruptions occurred in 1812, 1902, and 1979. The 1902
eruption, which killed over 1,000 people, was one of the deadliest volcanic
eruptions in the Caribbean in modern times.
 Description of the Negative and Positive effects the volcano
has on the population and environment
POSITIVE
FERTILE SOIL Volcanic materials ultimately break down
and weather to form some of the most
fertile soils on in St Vincent, the cultivation
of which has produced abundant food
and fostered civilizations.
TOURIST La Soufriere Volcano is known for its
ATTRACTION geothermal activity, which includes hot
springs, fumaroles, and mud pools. The
area around the volcano is a popular
tourist attraction, with visitors coming to
see the unique geological features.
NEGATIVE
ASH FALL Carbon dioxide and fluorine, both of
which are toxic to humans, can accumulate
in volcanic ash. The resulting ash fall can
cause crop failure, animal death and
deformity, and human illness. The abrasive
particles in ash can scratch the skin and
eyes' surfaces, causing discomfort and
inflammation.
NEGATIVE IMPACT In April 2021, when the volcano erupted.
ON THE At its peak, displaced over 13,300 people,
POPULATION who sought refuge in public and private
collective centres, with ashfall, water
restrictions, loss of income, and house
rental shortages affecting the majority of
St. Vincent's 110,600 people indirectly.
POSITIVE
NEGATIVE
 The La Soufriere Volcano is under the observation of the physical volcanologists at the
UWI Seismic Volcano Research Centre. Volcanoes in the Eastern Caribbean rarely
erupt suddenly and without warning. Normal eruptions are preceded by distinct
signals that, when recognized, allow for the prompt issuance of warnings. These
signals are referred to as precursory volcanic activity. Suitable signs of volcanic unrest

Is there an
include:
• A rise in shallow earthquake activity beneath or close to the volcano.

early warning
• The 'swelling' of the volcano's flanks or slopes
• Chemical changes in the gases and hot springs connected to the volcano

system? How
Early warning systems do exist. Early warning systems are in place in Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines to alert locals to volcanic activity. Early warning provides details
on potential effects so that those who are vulnerable can act quickly.

does it work? Physical volcanologists immediately notify SVG Disaster Management of these
changes when they occur. SVG Disaster Management then notifies the National
Emergency Management Organization, which notifies locals about the volcano via
social media, SMS messages, radio stations, etc. Residents in the red and orange
zones are compelled to evacuate if the likelihood of the volcano erupting is high.
Hazard Zone 1 (Red Zone) - Very High Hazard:

This includes all areas expected to experience maximum damage in the short term,
and is the zone where all hazardous events have their greatest influence. It is defined
by the zone of expected total destruction from pyroclastic flows, surges and
mudflows and by the zone of maximum expected damage from all projectiles. This
zone is likely to experience more than 30 cm of ash. During the course of an eruption
this zone would be unsuitable for human habitation.

Hazard Zone 2 (Orange Zone) - High Hazard:

This includes all areas of moderate pyroclastic flow and surge hazard, areas within the
5km projectile zone, and areas likely to experience between 10 and 30cm of ash fall.
These areas will be affected in a similar manner as Zone 1 during large scale
eruptions.

Hazard Zone 3 (Yellow Zone) Moderate Hazard:

This zone will be free from the effects of flows and surges but will be affected by 5 to
10 cm thick ash falls, minor earthquakes and lightning strikes. This zone will
experience significantly less physical damage than Zones 1 and 2.

Hazard Zone 4 (Green Zone) - Low Hazard:

This zone includes areas likely to be relatively safe from hazardous events, except for
minor ash fall of less than 5cm. Crop damage and disruption of water supply due to
ash fall will be the main effect but other physical damage will be minimal. The map
only shows hazard zone on land. However, lahars and pyroclastic falls, flows and
surges will also impact areas offshore to varying degrees, and as such, the hazard
zones must be envisaged as extending some distance offshore.