

Artifact Title: Mudflows
Medium: Image
Creator: Dr. Richard Robertson, University of the West Indies
Year: 2022

TERA Curator: Nadia Huggins
Mudflows
Oftentimes, when volcanic eruptions are documented, the focus is on the eruption itself. However, understanding the evolution of catastrophes means observing the physical changes that happen to a landscape over time. Lahars are mudflow or debris flow that originates on the slopes of a volcano. Small debris flows are common in the Cascades, where they form during periods of heavy rainfall and by shallow landsliding. These lahars have been continuously occurring during the heavy rainfall on the island of St Vincent. As a result, a lot of the river pathways have been changing, as shown in this artifact of the Overland (Tourama) River. This situation creates further issues for communities (most of them being indigenous) living OTR (Over the River). How can day-to-day observation of the landscape by community members assist science with alternative narratives and deeper understanding of volcanoes? Can citizen science help provide solutions for people without marginalizing them further or excluding them from conversations when they are the ones being the most impacted?