The ongoing volcanic eruptions in Iceland and Saint Vincent are a world apart. The contrasts couldn’t be starker. Icelanders are flocking to Geldingadalir; Vincentians are being forced to evacuate from the La Soufriere eruption. A mind-blowing juxtaposition if you think about it.

The main difference in effect arises mainly from the very different types of tectonic plate boundary where these 2 volcanoes are located: Iceland at a divergent plate boundary; St Vincent atop a subduction zone, yielding very different eruptive styles & types of magma extruded.

Photo credits: @Iceland_Review and @soufriere_hills / @uwiseismic

Both eruptions are impressive in their own ways. But from afar, I’m personally in far more awe at the top-class monitoring & communication efforts by both local agencies: @Vedurstofan in & @uwiseismic @NEMOSVG in Clear messaging, fast responses, preparation have been key