Eyjafjallajokull Case Study Flashcards
What year did the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupt?
2010
What type of volcanic eruption occurred at Eyjafjallajokull?
Fissure eruption which erupts basaltic lava
How high did the volcanic ash plume from Eyjafjallajokull reached altitudes of?
10 km - reached the stratosphere
Which two major airports were particularly affected by the eruption?
Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport
How long did the air travel disruptions last due to the ash cloud?
Approximately six days
What was the primary impact of the Eyjafjallajokull eruption on European airspace?
100,000 flights cancelled due to volcanic ash affecting aircraft engines
What was a global consequence of the eruption?
Disruption of global air travel - 100,000 cancelled flights
Disruption of global supply chains (eg fresh food) - $3 million in losses
The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull was preceded by a series of what?
smaller eruptions
What was one of the long-term economic impacts of the Eyjafjallajokull eruption?
Loss of revenue for airlines and travel industry
What did the EASA do?
European Aviation Safety Agency
Provided guidance and restrictions on airspace closures
What was a major environmental impact of the eruption?
Volcanic ash deposits
What was a significant health concern related to the ash from the eruption?
Respiratory issues for locals
Did the Eyjafjallajokull eruption contribute to scientific research on volcanic activity?
Yes
The eruption was closely monitored by which agency for signs of activity?
Icelandic Meteorological Office
What was one of the challenges faced by emergency management during the eruption?
Rapidly changing volcanic activity
How did Icelandic authorities manage the risks associated with the eruption?
Evacuating 700 residents
What did the eruption reveal about the resilience of air travel infrastructure?
Vulnerable to natural disasters
What was a key factor in the decision to close airspace?
Ash concentration levels
What impact did the Eyjafjallajokull eruption have on international relations?
Disrupted global air travel
Highlighted the need for international cooperation and emergency response
Prompted improved coordination between European governments
What is one lesson learned from the Eyjafjallajokull eruption regarding disaster management?
Importance of international cooperation in crisis response
Type of plate boundary
Constructive - between the North American and Eurasian plate
Economic impacts:
$1.7 billion cost in airline losses
$2.8 billion cost in Europe’s travel industry
Agriculture + goods exporters lost $3 million (eg Kenyan farmers)
Social impacts:
700 people evacuated due to flooding from melted glacier
Contaminated water supplies
Respiratory illnesses for locals due to ash
Cancelled flights stranded people in different countries
Environmental impacts:
Jokulhaup river became 100x its normal capacity
Fluoride on grazing land poisoned cattle
Less aircraft noise and 2.8 million tonnes less CO2 due to cancelled flights
