E16

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

Constructive plate boundary
Subglacial composite volcano
March - Increasing seismic activity
20th - first lava erupted
12th April - Glacier Burst
Pressure increased + magma rose
Chemical reactions - silica and gases
Vicious and explosive

Question 2

Icelandic Effects

Answer 2

200m thick glacial ice melted - floods
250 million cubic metres of tephra
Ash-contaminated water supplies
20 farms destroyed
No deaths but respiratory problems
Glaciers covered in ash
Coast and highway destroyed

Question 3

Worldwide effects

Answer 3

Wind swept tephra across Europe
International air travel affected
Cost airlines 2 billion
Increased tourism to iceland
Imports affected
International produce wasted

Question 4

Immediate responses

Answer 4

Warnings sent out via radio/tv
500 farmers evacuated near volcano
Local residents moved to safe areas
Dredging of outflow Plains/rivers
Grounding of aeroplanes for 2 weeks

Question 5

Long-term responses

Answer 5

Additional seismometers deployed
GPS movement and tilt sensors enhanced
Flood zoning for future buildings
Bridge strengthening in local areas
Regulations on the strength and maintenance of buildings and roofs to mitigate against ash fall