Welcome to Evolving Montserrat

Background

This site is intended to give information about three fourth year projects that are taking place at the University of Southampton. We are all in the final year of the four year Master of Geology undergraduate degrees. The fieldwork for all three projects was conducted in September 2004 in Montsarrat, W.I. We were there for three weeks and since our return have commenced on the lab work. See below for more details on what happening on each of the projects. All of these projects are being kindly supervised and supported by Rex taylor and Martin Palmer from the School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton. Many thanks to the Monserrat Volcano Observatory for assistance with work when we were there.

Student: Rob Cooper

Title: Geochemical variations in the Soufriere Hills Volcano complex, Montserrat, W.I.

Aims: To try and determine if there has been any change in the chemical composition of material erupted in the southern part of the island over the past ~800Ka. If the data indicate changes to the chemistry over time, there are several explanations including changes to the inputs to the magma source. Have to see what the data show!

Progress: All sample material returned to the U.K. at the end of September. Samples sorted cleaned, dried and weighed. The crushed the samples in a fly press the sieved them into three size fractions. Took the medium fraction and placed in an ultrasonic bath for several minutes. Then left the samples to dry in an over before bagging and labelling them. Next phase is currently in progress which involves checking the samples beneath a light microscope for any particles of plastic bag which have managed to get through, or if any of the grains display altered material (for the less fresh samples in particular). Following completion of the picking, the samples will be dissolved and then subject to Sr, Nd and Pb system isotope geochemistry as well as trace element geochemistry.

Student: Chris Stenlake

Title: Geochemical evolution and alteration of the Centre and Silver Hills, Montserrat, W.I.

Aims:

Progress: All sample material returned to the U.K. at the end of September. Samples sorted cleaned, dried and weighed. The crushed the samples in a fly press the sieved them into three size fractions. Took the medium fraction and placed in an ultrasonic bath for several minutes. Then left the samples to dry in an over before bagging and labelling them. Next phase is currently in progress which involves checking the samples beneath a light microscope for any particles of plastic bag which have managed to get through, or if any of the grains display altered material (for the less fresh samples in particular). Following completion of the picking, the samples will be dissolved and then subject to Sr, Nd and Pb system isotope geochemistry as well as trace element geochemistry.

Student: Mark Palmer

Title: Assessing changes in natural water as a result of interaction with volcanic material on Montserrat, W.I.

Aims:

Progress: Samples collected in Montserrat and returned to the U.K. Chemical analysis started (flourides etc) and underway.

Gallery test!