Icelandic volcanoes are closely monitored due to frequent volcanic activity in the region, with eruptions that can impact air traffic and the local population.
Icelandic volcanoes pose a real threat to the local population and even to other European countries. The main risk comes from volcanic ash, which can damage aircraft engines and severely disrupt air traffic for several days. Some eruptions also produce lava flows that can engulf villages, roads, or important infrastructure. Another common danger is jökulhlaups: spectacular sudden floods caused by the rapid melting of glaciers covering active volcanoes. These floods can sweep away bridges and highways without warning. Finally, Icelandic volcanoes often emit toxic gases, such as sulfur dioxide, which are harmful to human and animal health at high concentrations.
When an Icelandic volcano awakens, ash, harmful gases, and even lava flows directly threaten the local population. Nearby homes risk being destroyed, roads cut off, and farms buried under thick ash. By inhaling this silica-rich volcanic ash, residents may suffer from serious respiratory problems. The lava flows, for their part, wipe out everything in their path (but slowly, fortunately). Rivers can also be blocked by lava, leading to sudden and dangerous floods, destroying bridges and vital infrastructure for transportation on the island. The local economy also takes a hit: agriculture, livestock, and tourism are directly affected as soon as a major eruption occurs.
When an Icelandic volcano awakens, European airspace holds its breath. Why? Because of volcanic ash, very fine and abrasive, which can cause serious damage to aircraft engines and their instruments. In 2010, the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull caused chaos in air traffic: a series of cancellations, a blockage of European skies, and millions of travelers stranded. An aircraft flying through an ash cloud can experience a total engine failure and lose cockpit visibility. Another concern: these ultrafine particles are often not detected by regular weather radars. In short, monitoring Iceland's volcanoes helps avoid nasty surprises at 10,000 meters and better ensures passenger safety.
Today, specialists often use highly precise instruments like seismometers that can even detect mini-earthquakes that herald a future eruption. In addition, professionals utilize satellites equipped with radar (InSAR) to remotely monitor ground deformation, to understand where and how magma is pushing below. Another truly useful technique is the analysis of volcanic gases. When a volcano awakens, it releases specific gases like sulfur dioxide, and their concentration can provide serious clues. Scientists also install thermal cameras to quickly identify hot spots or new fissures from which lava may erupt. This information, transmitted in real-time to monitoring centers, allows authorities to be responsive as soon as an Icelandic volcano starts to show signs of activity.
The eruption of Laki in 1783 is one of the most dramatic events in Icelandic history. For eight months, it released toxic gases leading to famine and high mortality in Iceland and also affecting the entire Europe.
In 1973, on the island of Heimaey, the Eldfell volcano surprised everyone. The inhabitants had to quickly abandon their homes in the face of lava flows and even went so far as to spray seawater on the lava to save the port.
It is impossible not to mention the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, which caused total panic in international air traffic. Its ash cloud led to the closure of many European airspaces for several days, disrupting millions of travelers.
More recently, in 2021, the spectacular eruption of Fagradalsfjall made headlines with its impressive lava fountains becoming a major tourist attraction, without causing major damage.
Some Icelandic volcanoes, such as Öræfajökull, are located beneath thick glaciers: during a subglacial eruption, this can generate massive water flows called 'jökulhlaups', which can be potentially devastating for infrastructure.
Nearly 30% of the electricity in Iceland is generated from geothermal energy, taking advantage of the natural volcanic heat present beneath the island's surface.
Very sensitive instruments called 'inclinometers' can detect the slightest swelling of a volcano, sometimes several months before an eruption, thus allowing for the early evacuation of at-risk areas.
The Hekla volcano, nicknamed 'The Gateway to Hell' in the Middle Ages, is considered particularly unpredictable. It can go from total calm to explosive eruption in just a matter of minutes.
Powerful volcanic eruptions can eject a significant amount of sulfur dioxide and fine particles into the upper atmosphere. These particles can form an atmospheric veil capable of reflecting sunlight and temporarily cooling global average temperatures.
Most active volcanoes can be visited under certain strict conditions and after consulting local authorities or volcanology specialists. It is advisable to respect the alerts issued by the authorities, to be accompanied by experienced guides, and to strictly follow safety instructions.
The eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano created large clouds of volcanic ash, which are dangerous for aircraft engines and equipment. As a result, thousands of international flights were canceled for several days, leading to significant economic disruptions in many countries.
Volcanic eruptions can lead to the release of ash and toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide. These substances can cause respiratory difficulties, skin irritations, eye disorders, and can significantly affect air quality over a large geographic area.
Several technologies are used to monitor volcanoes, such as seismographs, GPS, InSAR (satellite radar interferometry), thermal cameras, spectrometers for analyzing gases, and drones to survey hard-to-reach areas. These tools provide valuable data that allow for an accurate analysis of volcanic behavior.
Scientists monitor several indicators such as frequent earthquakes, volcanic swelling, increased volcanic gas emissions, and thermal anomalies detected by satellite imagery. This data helps to predict a possible imminent eruption.
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