eyjafjallajokull 2010 (volcanic eruption)

Question 1

where is Iceland situated

Answer 1

sits on the mid-atlantic ridge where the north American and eurasian plates move apart at a rate of 2.5cm per year.

nature of volcano made eruption far more violent than normally would be expected from Icelandic eruption.

• erupted 14th to 20th April 2010.

Question 2

effects

Answer 2

• 250 million cubic meters of ash and tephra emitted into atmosphere,
• airspace was closed leading to 95,000 cancelled flights during a 6 day closure period.
• £1.1 billion in losses from, the airline industry alone.
• 20 farms totally destroyed by combination of flooding or ash.
• ash led to fluoride being put into the local water supplies meaning farmers couldn’t allow their livestock to drink from it.

Question 3

responses

Answer 3

• 700 people were evacuated in Iceland. these people are cared for by 60 Red Cross volunteers.
• dutch Red Cross set up 1500 beds in Schiphol airport for trapped passengers.
• compensation was given to travellers,
  -roads and embankments were reconstructed within weeks.