Volcano Eruptions

[Aviador]

Katla volcano in Iceland ‘set to erupt in explosion that will dwarf devastating 2010 ash cloud’, scientists claim

Is the headline of the Sun this evening. The Katla Volcano is a subglacial volcano meaning if it blows it is likely to cause substantial disruption to European air travel. The volcano is currently on a yellow alert due to volcanic unrest.

 

[Aviador]

Huge swarm of earthquakes in Iceland between Reykjanes and Krysuvik volcanos could suggest an iminant volcano eruption, as if we hadn't had enough to worry about.

 

[superking]

Huge swarm of earthquakes in Iceland between Reykjanes and Krysuvik volcanos could suggest an iminant volcano eruption, as if we hadn't had enough to worry about.

Cant be as bad as the one we had a few years back can it. Difference this time if it is a big one,there is not much flying at the moment. If it is a big eruption then lets have it sooner rather than later.

 

[Aviador]

Iceland geology – Volcano and earthquake activity in Iceland

icelandgeology.net

So the current swarm activity is around the Iceland capital Reykjavik itself. Potentially very dangerous times ahead for Iceland but at this stage it's still unclear if the large number of earthquakes are being caused by the movement of magma.


Source: Icelandic Met Office.

The Icelandic earthquake swarm is a further threat to Icelandic aviation although unlike some other volcanos on Iceland, the volcanos nearest to the earthquake swarm aren't covered by glaciers. The problem in this particular instance is the swarms proximity to the Iceland Capital Reykjavik with a population of 123,000 people is only 10 miles away.

The airport is situated around 13 miles North West of the volcano so if the volcano blows it will be rendered unusable to air traffic.

Definitely one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

Edited to improve post accuracy.

 

[Aviador]

Over the last 24 hours it has been confirmed lava is moving into the magma chamber and a volcanic eruption at Iceland's Krýsuvík volcano is now reported as imminent.



Copyright of this image belongs to Icelandic Met Office.

Inflation map of Reykjanes peninsula showing displacement.

The Krýsuvík volcano is just 10 miles from Iceland's Capital Reykjavik.

 

[superking]

If it does erupt it wonders how the size of ash cloud it will be. Went out in the car this morning and it was covered in Sahara dust,nothing is ever said about that any time. I live south of Bristol.

 

[Aviador]

If it does erupt it wonders how the size of ash cloud it will be. Went out in the car this morning and it was covered in Sahara dust,nothing is ever said about that any time. I live south of Bristol.

That all depends on the size of the eruption.

Historically, previous eruptions for this volcano are thought to have been mostly between VEI 1 and 3 so hopefully not a risk to aviation beyond Iceland itself although a huge risk for Reykjavik.