Why Is Montserrat Volcanic?

Montserrat's Soufrière Hills volcano is a typical subduction volcano. Its existence is due to the subduction of the Atlantic under the Caribbean plate. Its first historic eruption started in 1995 and is still ongoing.

Why is there a volcano in Montserrat?

What caused the Soufrière Hills Volcano to erupt? The Caribbean island of Montserrat is situated on a destructive plate boundary. ... Molten rock or magma gathers under the volcano until the pressure is so great that it is forced up through a vent towards the surface of the earth.

What was the cause of Montserrat Volcanic eruption 1995?

The explosive eruption was triggered by about 30% of the dome avalanching away in the previous 12 hours which decompressed gas-rich magma deeper in the volcano. This explosion is used as a reference event later in this assessment.