Eyjaf - HIC ( Recent Volcanic Event) Flashcards
Key info
Iceland is on a mid Atlantic Ridge which runs through it
North American plate moves west, Eurasian plate moves east – rate of spread – 2.5 cm per year
Erupted ash for over a month - lots of ash due to glacial outburst - Yakulhaup
- 175km squared effected - blown north east and south
7 million people trapped in various parts of Europe with flights being delayed for up to 2 weeks as plane jet turbines would be clogged up by thick ash
100,000 flights cancelled
Air space closed over most of Europe - one of biggest flight cancellations in history
Lava + ice (water and steam) = ash
Stratavolcano - result of mid Atlantic ridge that runs through Iceland - divergent plate boundary
ERUPTED - march 20th 2010 lasting approximately a month
Short term impacts
Social:
Flight cancellations due to ash cloud causing one of the biggest flight disruptions in European history, leaving millions stranded.
Economic:
Disruption of air travel and tourism industry.
Environmental: Melting of Gigajokull Glacier by the volcano, burst of Gigajokull Glacier.
Political: International impacts due to flight cancellations affecting travel and transportation.
Long term impacts
Social: Potential changes in travel behavior due to perceptions of volcanic risk.
Economic: Potential long-term effects on the tourism industry and air travel.
Environmental: Lasting environmental changes due to glacier melting and volcanic activity.
Political: Potential changes in international regulations and policies regarding air travel and volcanic risk management.
Short term response strategies
Local/International: Immediate response to flight cancellations and stranded travelers, monitoring of volcanic activity, dissemination of information and warnings to affected populations.
Long term management strategies
Local/International: Implementation of measures to enhance volcanic monitoring and early warning systems, development of contingency plans for future volcanic eruptions, investment in infrastructure to mitigate the impact of volcanic activity on air travel and tourism.
Links to park model
Predisaster Conditions:
The predisaster conditions include the geological characteristics of Iceland, such as its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the presence of active volcanic systems, which contribute to the likelihood of volcanic eruptions.
Event/Situation:
The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull in 2010 led to the release of ash clouds, disruption of air travel, melting of glaciers, and other immediate impacts on the environment and society.
Emergency:
The emergency phase involves immediate response efforts to manage the impacts of the eruption, including evacuations, provision of emergency assistance, and coordination of response activities.
Relief:
Relief efforts focus on providing ongoing support to affected communities, including addressing immediate needs, restoring essential services, and facilitating recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Rehabilitation:
Rehabilitation involves long-term efforts to rebuild infrastructure, restore ecosystems, and support the recovery and resilience of affected communities in the aftermath of the eruption.
Reconstruction:
Reconstruction efforts focus on rebuilding and strengthening infrastructure, implementing measures to reduce the vulnerability of communities to future eruptions, and promoting sustainable development in volcanic-prone areas.
Links to hazard management cycle
Prevention/Mitigation:
Understanding the geological features and patterns of volcanic activity can aid in mitigation efforts by implementing measures such as improved monitoring systems and land use planning to reduce the impact of volcanic eruptions.
Preparedness:
Preparedness efforts involve monitoring volcanic activity, disseminating early warnings, and developing evacuation plans to minimize the impact of eruptions on affected populations and infrastructure.
Response:
Immediate response includes managing the impacts of the eruption, such as organizing evacuations, providing emergency assistance to affected communities, and managing disruptions to transportation and tourism.
Recovery:
Recovery efforts focus on restoring essential services, infrastructure, and livelihoods in the aftermath of the eruption, as well as addressing environmental impacts and supporting affected communities in rebuilding.
