Eyjafjallajökull (E15) Case Study Flashcards
Where did this eruption occur?
In Southern Iceland beneath a glacier
When did this eruption occur?
April 2010
On what plate boundary does Iceland lie?
Constructive plate boundary (Mid-Atlantic Ridge)
What were the prediction techniques used?
- Seismic activity recorded in 2009
- Ground deformation recorded in early 2010
What was the main impact of the eruption?
European air space was closed as a large ash cloud was blown towards mainland Europe by the strong prevailing winds
How many airline passengers were left stranded?
7 million
What was the main damage to Iceland’s infrastructure?
The main ring road was damaged
How many people were evacuated?
800 people from farming communities
How were the evacuated population aided?
The European Red Cross provided food for the farming communities
What was the daily loss in productivity?
£400 million
How much did the airline industry lose over 6 days?
£1.2 billion
What was the eruption’s impact on Kenya?
Daily loss of £1.3 million in horticulture exports to the EU
How far was ash ejected into the atmosphere?
9km
What was the main long-term response from the EU?
A new air traffic management system was developed with 9 zones which replaced the existing 27
What was the main long-term response from Iceland?
A tourism campaign was developed which has been very successful
What was the main environmental benefit of the eruption?
European air space closure prevented 3 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions
What impact did ash fall have on oceans?
Triggered plankton blooms due to an increase in marine nutrients
What was the main secondary hazard caused by the eruption?
Glacial outburst flooding (jökulhlaups)
How much did UK travel agencies lose daily?
£6 million
What other secondary hazard was triggered by the eruption?
Lahars
In what areas has the eruption led to long-term research into?
Plane engine design and ash cloud forecasting
What was the main economic benefit of the eruption?
Eurostar experienced increased profit as well as an extra 50,000 passengers on their trains
What was the magnitude of the volcano?
VEI 4
Why was the main eruption in April particularly explosive?
Ice rapidly vapourised and molten magma fragmented into ash as the eruption occurred underneath a glacier
Which plates diverge at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?
North American and Eurasian plates
