Volcanoes giveth and taketh away like nothing else on earth. Initially, an eruption will lay waste to any living thing unfortunate enough to be nearby. In the long run, though, rejuvenated ecosystems emerge that are significantly more vibrant than before. This is particularly true undersea, as you can see by reading this.
Or better yet, head down to Montserrat and see for yourself!
As we’ve previously noted, The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean is home to the Caribbean’s most active volcano, Soufrière Hills, which erupted in the mid-90′s eventually destroying Montserrat’s capital city, Plymouth. While life on the island has adopted a slower pace as a result of the volcano, the scene below sea is bustling with new and diverse corals, sponges and algae, providing a rich environment for fish and sea mammals.