Case Study: Iceland 2010 Volcanic Eruption Flashcards
(24 cards)
When and where did the volcano occur?
On the 14th April 2010, the eruption ejected fine glass-rich ash to over 8km into the atmosphere, which was then picked up by the jet stream and carried east towards Europe
What was the magnitude of the volcano?
VEI 4 eruption, relatively high for this volcano.
How many people died?
0
Which secondary hazard caused roads to be washed away?
Local flooding – river levels quickly rose as a result of glacial meltwaters
Why was there local disruption to farming?
A thick layer of ash fell on farm pastures at Raufarfell. This become wet and compact, making it very difficult to continue farming, harvesting or grazing livestock
What happened to air travel as a result of the eruption? How many flights/people were affected?
- Reykjavik airport closed for several days due to ash-fall.
- Ash cloud in the polar jet stream disrupted European airspace.
- 100,000 flights were canceled over 8 days, 48% of total air traffic.
- 10 million passengers were affected by the widespread cancellations.
What were the knock on effects of air space closure?
- Airlines faced an estimated loss of £1.2 billion.
- UK travel agents lost £6 million in business per day.
- Many teachers and students were delayed returning after Easter.
- Fresh food imports were disrupted
- costing Kenya’s flower industry $1.5 million daily.
Social effects of heavy ash fall
- Poor air quality caused school closures in southern Iceland.
- Some people had minor health issues like eye irritation and dry throats.
- Health effects were short-lived.
What was created when ash mixed with meltwater?
Lahars which increased flood risk
Was tourism affected positively or negatively?
- The eruption initially attracted tourists for site tours.
- Helicopter, bus, and jeep tours were available.
- By March, 10,000 people had visited the area.
- International tourism dropped in summer, impacting the economy and jobs.
Were there any positive impacts?
- Decline in aircraft noise and pollution as CO2 emissions reduced.
- In the longer term, nutrients released from the ash may improve soil quality.
How many people were evacuated?
800 due to flood risk
What was the short term response of farmers?
- Farmers were advised to keep livestock indoors.
- Fluorine-tainted ash contaminated grass and water supplies.
What was the short term response of local people to the decline in air quality?
People living in areas subject to heavy ash-fall were told to stay indoors.
What was three short term responses to flooding?
- Some roads were closed for days due to flash flood fears.
- Engineers opened gaps in roads to allow meltwater to escape.
- This action helped protect bridges from collapse under flood surges.
What was the short term response to stranded holiday makers?
- A Royal Navy warship collected soldiers returning from Afghanistan and stranded holiday makers from the Spanish port of Santander.
What was the long term response to the flooding?
Local flood defences and roads had to be reconstructed.
What long term responses were there to plan for future eruptions?
- Close monitoring of Katla, a nearby volcano, is ongoing as Eyjafjallajökull’s eruption increases the likelihood of a Katla eruption.
- The eruption prompted research into engine designs and ash safety levels for aircraft.
- Insurance companies reviewed policies for similar events.
Why is Iceland a high-risk area for volcanoes?
It sits on the mid-Atlantic ridge with many active volcanoes, like Hekla.
How does Iceland’s population affect volcanic risk?
The sparse population reduces the direct threat to people.
What role do ice caps play in Icelandic eruptions?
Ice caps melt during eruptions, causing floods and lahars.
How do eruptions in Iceland produce huge ash clouds?
Magma cools quickly when it meets ice, forming explosive ash clouds.
What happens to magma when it contacts ice during an eruption?
It cools rapidly, forming glass-like material that breaks into fine ash.
Why is volcanic ash dangerous for aircraft?
Ash carried by high-altitude winds (like the polar jet stream) can damage aircraft engines.
