Digital News Report – The recent Iceland volcano eruption of Eyjafjallajökull began on April 14th and has continued to cause travel delays because of the huge amounts of ash in the atmosphere.
The Eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull have caused several airports in northern Europe to close down flights because of the dangers of the ash causing engines to fail while in air.
According to scientists from the University of Colorado at Boulder they believe that the ash will very likely dissipate over the next several days. Professor Brian Toon, who is the chair of Colorado University – Boulder’s atmospheric and oceanic science department, said that the Iceland volcano eruption has tiny rock particles that consist of silicate and basaltic glass. These particles can damage aircraft engines explains Toon.
Toon continued to explain that the volcano plume of ash depends a lot of the weather condition such as rain or wind. If there is rain the ash could be washed away. He also said that the sulfur dioxide that ware released from the Iceland volcano did not pose a threat to the world clime.
The Iceland Meteorological Office pointed out the volcanic ash cloud from Eyjafjallajökull is extending to Norway and into Europe. They say that there have been strong westerly winds on Wednesday that have been moving the ash towards Northern Europe. The strong westerly winds are being forecast for this weekend.
The Met Office reported that the volcano is still erupting in pulses and that ash dust has been found in Scotland, south-east England and as far as Exeter.
Many government health agencies are issuing warnings about the volcanic ash. They say that most particles will not reach ground level and shouldn’t cause serious harm said the Scotland Health agency. People may notice the smell of sulfur or rotting egg smell and the ash could cause itchy sore eyes, runny nose, a sore throat and possibly a dry cough. They suggest limiting outdoor activity and those with respiratory medical condition should have their inhalers or other medications with them.
Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupts, stopping all air traffic in NW YouTube Video