Case Study : Eyjafjallajokull 2010 eruption

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

Located on a constructive plate boundary between the north American and Eurasian plate. Plates move apart at 2.5cm per year, causing magma to rise to the surface. This eruption was so explosive due to surrounding glaciers melting, and the water reacting with the magma.

Question 2

Primary effects

Answer 2

• Great amounts of ash sent into the atmosphere, spreading over Europe
• Flooding due to glacial melting
• Local water supplies contaminated due to high concentrations of fluoride mixing with river water
• Loss of income for local farmers due to evacuation

Question 3

Secondary effects

Answer 3

• 100,000 flights in Europe cancelled over a 6 day flight ban due to high amounts of ash in the air
• Airlines and associated businesses lost £130 million a day, totalling to $2.2 billion in losses
• Hundreds of thousands of people stranded in other countries due to cancelled flights
• 20% of Kenyan economy is based on exports to Europe, causing a hit to the Kenyan economy
• Boost in Icelandic tourism after the eruption

Question 4

Short term responses

Answer 4

• Around 800 people evacuated from the immediate vicinity of the volcano, mainly including farmers
• Entirety of the European airspace was closed for 6 days due to the large amount of ash in the atmosphere
• Immediate response from local authorities, including firefighters and rescue teams
• Embankments around a main bridge destroyed, allowing flood water to pass around the bridge rather than destroying it
• European red cross societies sent volunteers to help people effected, including providing beds for those stranded in airports.
• 100 000 European flights cancelled

Question 5

Long term responses

Answer 5

• Improved volcanic monitoring systems including 120 seismic monitoring stations and 80 GPS stations.
• Financial assistance provided for affected farmers and businesses by the government
• The EU developed better management for European airspace, meaning areas can be closed without closing the entire airspace following an eruption.
• Air travel companies have began testing the safe limit of volcanic ash in jet engines
• More defenced built around important Icelandic power stations to protect from flooding
• River embankments reinforced to protect from flooding
• Psychological support provided by Red cross for affected people.