Tribute to Gilbert Hammouya (1946-2025)

Recruited to the IPGP following the eruption of La Soufrière in Guadeloupe in 1976-1977, Gilbert was the observatory’s only chemist for nearly 30 years, responsible for sampling and analysing gases and water from La Soufrière.

During those years, he compiled a time series of geochemical data on hot springs and fumaroles that is among the most comprehensive ever collected on an active volcano anywhere in the world. He also carried out periodic geochemical monitoring of the thermal springs and fumaroles of the Soufrière Hills volcano in Montserrat well before the 1995 eruption, and in 1996 was one of two French volcanologists who collected gases at 740°C from the new lava dome three weeks before the first pyroclastic flows. Finally, Gilbert was also involved in training volcanologists in Central America as part of a regional cooperation programme between France (CIFEG) and CEPREDENAC.

With boundless energy, Gilbert was passionate about science, volcanoes and the Soufrière in Guadeloupe in particular. He tirelessly surveyed the slopes and summit of La Soufrière, often alone, regardless of the difficult terrain and unpredictable weather, repeating his measurements with unwavering enthusiasm, imaginative meticulousness and an insatiable thirst for learning and doing his job well. Of unparalleled kindness, Gilbert was always available to help colleagues at the observatory, missionaries and students in the field. Gilbert was also a charismatic, pedagogical and extremely kind person who awakened many young people to the joys and challenges of science, field observations and laboratory analysis. He left a lasting impression on all those who met him with his humanity and altruism, and we will remember him fondly.

Gilbert passed away on 4 June 2025 after several years battling illness. His colleagues at the IPGP and the entire team at the Guadeloupe Volcanological and Seismological Observatory extend their deepest condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren.