Eyjafjallajökull (E-15) eruption

• When did it occur and where?

  The eruption was on the 14th of April, 2010 and occurred in Iceland.
• Why is Iceland vulnerable to volcanoes?

  Icelands position on the Mid-Atlantic ridge means it has a number of active volcanoes.
• How do the eruptions lead to flooding?

  The icecaps on the mountains melt resulting in huge floods and ash clouds to form.
• How can the volcanoes ash clouds be detrimental?


  Explosions of gas from the main vent carry ash and tiny fragments of tephra which can rise to high altitudes into a jet stream where it can be sucked into aircraft engines, despite its small size.
• How was seismic activity predicted in this area?

  Geophysicists found that magma was pouring into the magma chamber resulting in minor eruptions.
• What was the eruption on the VEI scale?

  The eruption was 4 on the VEI scale.
• How were European countries affected?

  Large ash clouds raised into the jet stream and were blown towards Europe resulting in countries shutting down their air space and international trade being affected.
• How much did it cost for airlines to close for 6 days?

  It costed £130m for the 6 days air space was closed.
• How much ice was on top of the volcano?

  200m
• How many flights were cancelled?

  100,000
• How many people were evacuated?

  Nearly 1,000