A diffuse ash column rises above the summit of Soufrière Hills volcano on April 2, 1997. The prominent delta seen in this aerial view from the NE was created by pyroclastic flows that descended to the eastern coast down the Tar River valley. The pyroclastic flows were produced by periodic collapse of a lava dome growing in the summit crater, which is breached to the east. The eruption began in July 1995; pyroclastic flows first reached the sea a year later.

Copyrighted photo by Stephen O'Meara, 1997.

Copyrighted image used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Contact photographer for any usage requests.

Soufrière Hills