Volcanic eruption in Iceland
Volcanic eruption in Iceland
Many questions have come up following the recent eruption of Eyjafjallajökull volcano: How does it affect Iceland, air travel, and are tourists safe in Iceland? We hope to answer most of your questions, but if you seek further information feel free to visit us on-line at www.iceland.is or www.visiticeland.com.
Travellers are safe and secure in Iceland – and can enjoy all the same activities as before and even more!
Who are we?
Icelanders are resilient people who have learned to live in harmony with the forces of nature. The fact is that Iceland is a volcanic island and – lets face it – would be much less fascinating if it didn’t have the natural hot pools, geysers, and a landscape unlike any other country in the world!
The civil protection and emergency management authorities in Iceland are always prepared, alert, and effective and have the situation at the eruption site well under control! Preparedness is the key to safty in the face of any hazard. This includes understanding the hazard, its consequences, and having a plan of action.
Our language is Icelandic which by now you probably know has a few long and strange words like Eyjafjallajökull - pronounced Ey (as in hey) – ah – fiadl – ah – jok – uhdl!
How big is the eruption?
The volcanic eruption is now less than 1/10 of the size it was during the first few days.
Apart from the plume of ash, which is slowly decreasing, the effects of the volcano are only felt in the closest vicinity of the eruption – a scarcely populated area of around 20 farms or so. The lava from the eruption is flowing to the North, an area uninhabited by people.
What effect does it have?
Day-to-day life continues as usual in Iceland, businesses are open and society functions normally. As before, there is plenty to see and do while in Iceland!
Is it safe?
Injuries or fatalities due to volcanic eruptions in Iceland are extremely rare, and there have been no such cases due to the volcanic eruption. The Eyjafjallajökull volcano is located to the south of Iceland, and only covers a tiny part of the large island. It poses no safety threat to people.
Can I fly?
During the first few days of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption, quite a lot of volcanic ash was cascated into the air, causing serious problems in air traffic throughout the continent. As the eruption is 
now only a fraction of its original size, the risk of air traffick disturbances is quite small.
All international airports are open in Iceland. As a precaution, passengers are asked to monitor flight schedules closely on travel industry web sites.
Even though volcanic ash might still affect air travel, there are four international airports in Iceland, and if one were to close down, air traffic would be directed to one of the others.
Ash fall
Very little ash has fallen during the last few days. The volcanic ash is created when hot lava meets the melting glacial water – exploding into the air. At this point in time most of the ice on top of the craters has melted, and now only a little bit of plume
is visible with lava flowing to the uninhabited north of the glacier.
Katla who?
Since there has been some discussion regarding the volcano Katla, it is important to note that there is no indication of an eruption there. Historical accounts detail a series of earthquakes or tremors which are distinctively felt in the inhabited areas to the west, south and east of the Katla Volcano.
Seismic activity in the area around Katla is monitored closely as well as rise in river levels. In addition a network of continuously recording GPS stations is used to monitor ground movement which is also used as an indicator of an imminent eruption. Seismic monitoring as well as other monitoring should give warnings of an eruption well in advance.
Clean and safe!
Iceland ranks as the cleanest country in the world, according to Forbes magazine. We are used to the geothermal wonders of the island and have learned to make the most of them. As a result Iceland is one of the world’s leaders in green energy and sustainable development. It is also the only Western country tht produces all its electricity from emission-free and sustainable natural resources in the form of geothermal and hydro power.
For further information visit
www.iceland.is and www.visiticeland.com
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