Case Study: Iceland 2010 Volcanic Eruption Flashcards
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.
Why is this a high-risk area for volcanoes?
- Iceland sits on the mid-Atlantic ridge, with many active volcanoes e.g Hekla.
- Regular eruptions, but most of the island’s sparse population minimizes the direct threat.
- Many volcanoes are covered by ice caps, which melt during eruptions, causing floods.
- Eruptions produce huge ash clouds as magma rapidly cools upon contact with ice.
- The cooled magma forms a glass-like material that disintegrates and is carried into the atmosphere by gas explosions.
- Ash travels in high-altitude winds (polar jet stream) and can damage aircraft engines.
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.
