The first seismo-volcanological observatory on Montserrat

Abstract

The first seismo-volcanological observatory in the anglophone Caribbean was established on Montserrat in 1936, in response to a volcano-seismic crisis that began with repeated felt events in 1933. Staff at Montserrat's agricultural office began routinely recording earthquake shocks in 1934. In 1936, following a scientific expedition dispatched by the Royal Society, an observatory was established at the Grove Botanical Station, Plymouth. This was run by volcano-seismic observers who managed an instrumental network, and monitored gas and steam emissions and air quality. The observatory functioned until 1946. We reconstruct the decision-making and evolution of the instrument networks as the observatory was established, and highlight the personnel involved, including the first female seismo-volcanic observer on Montserrat, Greta Scotland. Observations from the 1930s crisis emphasise the persistent seismicity and gas emissions associated with this extended episode of unrest, and suggest that there were minor phreatic explosions at the height of the crisis. We draw parallels with long-term observations of the activity of the Soufrière Hills Volcano since the 1990s.