LITTLE BAY, Montserrat (April 5, 2011) – The lessons learned from the eruptions at the Soufriere Hills Volcano (SHV) are being shared this week during the SHV 15 Years On Scientific Conference here.

Organised by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) the conference has brought together volcanologists, many of whom began their careers here in the 90s when the volcano roared back to life, with students of seismology and other researchers seeking information to assist them with their own active volcanoes across the planet.

The conference began on Sunday evening at the Montserrat Cultural Centre and Director of the MVO, Dr.  Paul Cole welcomed the delegates before presenting a four-minute video update on the changes that have taken place to the island’s topography as a result of the recent eruptions in 2009 and 2010.

Also making opening presentations were Acting Governor, H.E. Sarita Francis and Chief Minister the Honourable Reuben T. Meade. Her Excellency commended the scientists who began the process of studying Soufriere 15 years ago and have helped to develop what is now the MVO. Chief Minister Meade said the conference signaled another step in the goal to redevelop the MVO as a learning facility, from which knowledge can be shared globally.

The week of activities include three days of presentations organized in topics around the Dynamics of Physical Volcanology; Petrology and GeoChemistry; Hazard Assessment; Risk, Perception and Outreach; Monitoring Techniques; and Modelling and Geophysics.

Local resident and author Kathy Buffonge is attending the conference and said as she has written on the volcano from a layman’s perspective she wanted to continue learning about the developments in the field. Buffonge added that we often make light of the ash that is shared with other islands such as Guadeloupe but Tuesday’s presentation has shown that it is taken quite seriously there and they have developed an emergency plan and other programmes to deal with the effects as a result of the eruptions on Montserrat.

Visiting volcanologists Eliecer Duarte-Gonzalez from Costa Rica said he has been collaborating with scientists from Montserrat over the years and is pleased to finally make it to the island and to attend the conference. He said the range of issues being covered will help him to understand more about Costa Rica’s three active volcanoes and the many others with potential to erupt. Costa Rica has a mountain range comprising over 100 volcanoes, most of which are dormant.

Field Trips are planned for Wednesday and Friday to view Soufriere as well as the dormant volcanoes at Centre Hills and Silver Hills. There is also evening entertainment and a Fun Run and Walk scheduled for Sunday.

More information on Soufriere Hills Volcano 15 Years On Conference and the MVO can be found at www.mvo.ms.

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