9632308 Brosnan The study of natural catastrophes, such as volcanoes, provides vital information on their role in the ecology and evolution of communities. Rare events, may have important, even pivotal roles in ecosystems, but they are hard to study. From a conservation standpoint, rare events may be of greater importance to diversity patterns than normal events. Studies of natural catastrophes can in turn provide a biological and predictive framework for interpreting human impacts on natural systems. This knowledge is vital to the design of biologically meaningful conservation plans. Effects of volcanic eruptions on reef ecosystems (e.g. Mount Pinatubo). By studying effects of the current eruption on the reefs around Montserrat, we have an opportunity to expand our knowledge of volcanic impacts on reef ecology, and strengthen our effectiveness in reef conservation. Dr. Brosnan will study the effects of volcanic eruption on the reef community by repeating surveys of the reefs. She will set up permanent monitoring quadrats at impacted reefs (south and east coasts), and control reefs on the northwest coast that receive no volcanic input and monitor changes in the reef community and compare changes in impacted and nonimpacted reefs. ***
