Eyjafjallajokull 2010 Flashcards
What were the causes of this eruption?
It is on the mid-Atlantic ridge so is on a constructive plate margin above a mantle plume
Iceland is also on a hot spot
What were the primary effects of this eruption?
Heat from the eruption melted vast amounts of ice under the ice cap. Meltwater subsequently emerged as a glacial burst leading to flooding.
Ash mixed with meltwater and rain created lahars. This lead to mudslides and it fell into rivers increasing flood risks
What were the secondary effects of the eruption?
farmers were advised to keep their animals indoors to prevent livestock eating grass or water poisoned by fluorine-tainted ash
ash fall closed Reykjavik airport
over 20 countries closed their air space
What were the impacts of the flight ban
About 7 million passengers worldwide were stranded
loss of productivity at £400 million a day
Alternative transport like eurostar gained passengers
Decline in air and noise pollution
What were the short term responses
Closing of air space and restriction of travel
What were the long term responses to the eruption
Encouraged research into engine design, the level of ash concentrations in the atmosphere deemed safe for aircraft flight, meteorological forecasting of ash movements during eruptions
Insurance companies also reviewed their policies regarding obligation to customers
