Eyjafjallajokull Flashcards
(13 cards)
What was the Volcanic explosively index of Eyjafjallajokull
4
How many people died
There were no deaths
When did Eyjafjallajokull erupt
Eyjafjallajokull erupted between March and May 2010
How many people were evacuated
Just over 700 local people were evacuated out of the danger zone.
What were affects on planes
The ash cloud brought European airspace to a standstill during the latter half of April 2010 and cost billions of euros in delays. During the eruption, a no-fly zone was imposed across much of Europe, meaning airlines lost around £130m per day
48% of all air traffic was grounded for eight days across Europe
what were some primary impacts
Homes and roads were damaged, services were disrupted ,crops were destroyed by ash, airline delays
what were some secondary impacts
Sporting events were cancelled or affected due to cancelled flights. Fresh food imports stopped, and industries were affected by a lack of imported raw materials. Local water supplies were contaminated with fluoride. Flooding was caused as the glacier melted.
What were some international effects
Kenya, where farmers have laid off 5000 workers after flowers and vegetables were left rotting at airports. Kenya’s flower council says the country lost $1.3m a day in lost shipments to Europe. Kenya exports typically up to 500 tonnes of flowers daily – 97% of which is delivered to Europe.
What were positive effects of the eruption
-According to the Environmental Transport Association, the grounding of European flights prevented some 2.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
-There was a considerable increase in passenger numbers on Eurostar. It saw a rise of nearly a third, with 50,000 extra passengers travelling on their trains.
-Ash from the volcano deposited dissolved iron into the North Atlantic, triggering a plankton bloom, driving an increase in biological productivity
-The Icelandic government launched a campaign to promote tourism. ‘Inspired by Iceland’ As a result, tourist increased significantly following the campaign
What was done to reduce impacts
The European Red Cross provided food for the farming population living in the vicinity of the glacier, as well as counselling and psychosocial support, in particular for traumatised children
What was a secondary hazard
Flood (ajökulhlaups - glacier outburst flood) on the 14th of April, when an eruption partly melted a glacier and set off a major flood which prompted authorities to order 700 people to evacuate.
How were local industries effected
Fresh fish exports, a major local industry, were badly affected with loss of income
why was the population evacuated
for safety and because of respiratory threats due to the ash.
