Researchers are diving deep into the aftermath of the 2021 La Soufrière volcanic eruption, conducting a comprehensive study to understand its profound effects on St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ northern coastal ecosystem.
A team of international geologists, led by Dr. Mike Clare from the UK’s National Oceanography Centre, has begun an extensive research project examining how the volcanic eruption transformed the region’s marine environment.
On Tuesday, the researchers met with local stakeholders at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus to gather critical insights from community members most directly impacted by the natural disaster.
The project’s primary focus is mapping the seafloor off the northern coast, an area dramatically reshaped by volcanic material during the 2021 eruption. Dr. Clare emphasized the importance of understanding how submarine volcanic activity can fundamentally alter ocean floor topography and marine ecosystems.
“These underwater changes have significant implications for local communities, particularly fishermen whose livelihoods depend on marine resources,” Dr. Clare explained during the stakeholder meeting.
Collaborating with the UWI Seismic Research Centre and the National Emergency Management Organisation, the research team aims to provide crucial data for volcanic hazard assessment and coastal planning.