Geologic Background:
Morne Patates, a stratovolcano located at the
south tip of Dominica, is open to Soufriere Bay on the
west and contains several young lava domes with
associated block-and-ash-flow aprons. It was constructed
within an irregular depression on the southwest flank of
a larger stratovolcano, Morne Plat Pays, whose summit is
only 3 km to the northeast. The most recent eruptions
occurred just prior to European settlement, approximately
450±90 years BP.
Historic Activity:
- At least ten swarms of small-magnitude earthquakes
have occurred since 1765. No eruptive activity followed
any of these swarms.
Recent Activity:
- A fire in 1994 of unknown origin burned accumulated
sulfur deposits in the Soufriere Sulphur Springs area
causing false eruption reports.
- In1998 (March to December) there were a series of
tectonic earthquakes felt on the island of Dominica.
Data Sources:
- Smithsonian's SEAN Bulletin (V. 11, No. 10)
- Global Volcanism Network (V. 19, No. 5 to V. 23, No.
12).
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