CASE STUDY, E15

Question 1

Where is E15?

Answer 1

In South Iceland, Europe.

Iceland lies on top of the mid Atlantic ridge, a constructive plate boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates.

Question 2

4 key facts about the E15 and its eruption?

Answer 2

-Its a composite volcano which is aprox 1600m tall.

-The eruption was a 3 on the VEI

-The eruption happened in 2010

-First 39 days of eruption were mainly lava, after this came ash belching

Question 3

What were the causes of the eruption?

Answer 3

Eurasian and North American plates moved apart along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge due to ridge push, filled up magma chambers under E15

Question 4

What were the 4 main primary impacts?

Answer 4

1.Darkness during day, ash blocked sunlight.

2.Masks had to be worn, prevent inhaling ash

3.Airlines lost about $1.3m a day from cancelled flights(global disruption)

4.800 displaced

Question 5

What were the 4 main secondary impacts?

Answer 5

1.Lack of fresh food imports

2.Major economic loss due to sports fixture cancelation + cant export goods.

3.Around £3b lost in total

4.Jokulhaup floods due to glacier melting, destroyed Icelands main ring road.

Question 6

What were the 2 main short-term responses?

Answer 6

1.National centre for atmospheric science mapped the plume, so air space could re-open

2.Red cross provided food water and support for traumatised children.

Question 7

What were the 3 main long-term responses?

Answer 7

1.Improved volcanic ash monitoring system.

2.Extensive research into ash cloud movement

3.Economic support for effected businesses, eg farmers

Question 8

What was the benefit of the eruption?

Answer 8

Worldwide media coverage, increased tourism, tourist centre at volcano.