Volcanic eruptions in Europe

Guybrush · 04-18-2010, 02:55 AM

Heya!

I'm sure many have heard about the volcanic eruption on Iceland and if you haven't, well, I can try do a summary.

Recently, there was a volcanic eruption on Iceland in a mountain called Eyjafjallajoekull. It spewed volcanic ashes which are now falling down over much of Europe. Among other things, this hinders transportation and all flights in and out of Norway f.ex have been cancelled for a few days now, causing massive problems for people who need transportation.

The real iffy thing is that the eruption can trigger another eruption in a much larger volcano called Katla. Looking at history, this has happened at least the last 4 times Eyjafjallajoekull erupted in 920, 1612 and between 1821 and 1823 respectively.

It's disturbing to see how our modern society is not even able to deal with a relatively small eruption. What will happen if Katla erupts and remains highly active for months or even years? Will it dramatically cool the climate up here? Will it smell rotten eggs? Will we wear face masks when we move around outside?

Right now, I just hope it doesn't affect the summer too much. I need some heat! Anyone else affected / slightly worried about this?

+81 · 04-18-2010, 03:14 AM

I too am curious how this will turn out. One of my teacher has been stuck in the Ukraine because of the eruption of the volcano in this ridiculously name mountain.

Guybrush · 04-18-2010, 03:21 AM

The volcano continues to vomit ashes and I think there's a new cloud coming in over Norway today or tomorrow. According to the news, countries in the south of Europe should also become directly affected now.

right-track · 04-18-2010, 03:51 AM

We've had no flights over the UK since (I think) Thursday and it doesn't look like there'll be any until tomorrow at the earliest.
I live on the flight path for Manchester airport and it's weird not seeing any planes coming in to land. Can't say I miss them.
Although I've got a package arriving from Germany and God knows when I'll get that now.

littleknowitall · 04-18-2010, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by right-track

We've had no flights over the UK since (I think) Thursday and it doesn't look like there'll be any until tomorrow at the earliest.
I live on the flight path for Manchester airport and it's weird not seeing any planes coming in to land. Can't say I miss them.
Although I've got a package arriving from Germany and God knows when I'll get that now.

They we're supposed to be starting yesterday morning....then yesterday evening. God knows how long it's going to take really.

Mojo · 04-18-2010, 03:56 AM

I think its only natural to be a little concerned. Im not massively concerned and its not like its affecting day to day life but in the long term it could be a major inconvenience, for a lot of the reasons mentioned in this thread already.

FETCHER. · 04-18-2010, 06:08 AM

Meh, as long as its okay for me going my holidays I'm alrighty. I don't notice any differences in weather. I'm not too worried to be honest.

Guybrush · 04-18-2010, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayleigh.

Meh, as long as its okay for me going my holidays I'm alrighty. I don't notice any differences in weather. I'm not too worried to be honest.

The change would be noticed over time

The particles spewed out by the volcano will reflect sunlight, so more of the sunlight coming in over europe would be reflected back out to space. I don't know too much about the specifics since it's not my field, but the frontpage on some of the newspapers said it could cause a drop in temperature over the summer.

I think that would suck because I like my summers hot!

Astronomer · 04-28-2010, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tore

The change would be noticed over time

The particles spewed out by the volcano will reflect sunlight, so more of the sunlight coming in over europe would be reflected back out to space. I don't know too much about the specifics since it's not my field, but the frontpage on some of the newspapers said it could cause a drop in temperature over the summer.

I think that would suck because I like my summers hot!

My dad, who is a scientist at the University of Melbourne, told me that two of the factors that have affected the Earth's temperature - which by many is being coined 'global warming' - are the fact that there are less sun spots, and that there have been no major volcanic eruptions in recent times.

Apparently, when there are more sun spots on the sun, the Earth is cooler. And currently the sun has a record low of sun spots for a very long time. Also, there has not been a major volcanic eruption for a very long time which may also be contributing to the temperature. Which is interesting now that the debris in the air will prevent sunlight coming to Earth, thus cooling the temperature.

I know nothing about science and don't know if this is true or not but I found it interesting to think about.

Seltzer · 04-28-2010, 03:37 AM

It is indeed fascinating how fragile we are in the wake of natural disasters. NZ is conveniently ensconced in the tail end of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Rangitoto isn't far from me and its last recorded eruption was only 600 years ago! Some of you may have heard of the Pink and White Terraces which were destroyed by the Mt Tarawera eruption in 1886.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neapolitan

I find that interesting because I heard the French spoken in Canada is an older type then France's French, too.

It's interesting stuff. Back in high school, our French teacher introduced us to an exchange student from Quebec and I had a bit of trouble understanding her accent although listening isn't my strong suit anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cardboard adolescent

i'm so deliriously happy that everything is EXPLODING

Possible double meaning intended?

04-18-2010, 02:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
Guybrush Juicious Maximus III Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Scabb Island Posts: 6,525	Volcanic eruptions in Europe Heya! I'm sure many have heard about the volcanic eruption on Iceland and if you haven't, well, I can try do a summary. Recently, there was a volcanic eruption on Iceland in a mountain called Eyjafjallajoekull. It spewed volcanic ashes which are now falling down over much of Europe. Among other things, this hinders transportation and all flights in and out of Norway f.ex have been cancelled for a few days now, causing massive problems for people who need transportation. The real iffy thing is that the eruption can trigger another eruption in a much larger volcano called Katla. Looking at history, this has happened at least the last 4 times Eyjafjallajoekull erupted in 920, 1612 and between 1821 and 1823 respectively. It's disturbing to see how our modern society is not even able to deal with a relatively small eruption. What will happen if Katla erupts and remains highly active for months or even years? Will it dramatically cool the climate up here? Will it smell rotten eggs? Will we wear face masks when we move around outside? Right now, I just hope it doesn't affect the summer too much. I need some heat! Anyone else affected / slightly worried about this? __________________ Something Completely Different

04-18-2010, 03:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
+81 Rats off to ya! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: House of the Ju-Ju Queen Posts: 1,609	I too am curious how this will turn out. One of my teacher has been stuck in the Ukraine because of the eruption of the volcano in this ridiculously name mountain. __________________ My Music on: Facebook Last.fm My Last.fm My Poor Ol' Neglected Journal

04-18-2010, 03:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
Guybrush Juicious Maximus III Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Scabb Island Posts: 6,525	The volcano continues to vomit ashes and I think there's a new cloud coming in over Norway today or tomorrow. According to the news, countries in the south of Europe should also become directly affected now. __________________ Something Completely Different

04-18-2010, 03:56 AM	#6 (permalink)
Mojo Melancholia Eternally Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: England Posts: 5,018	I think its only natural to be a little concerned. Im not massively concerned and its not like its affecting day to day life but in the long term it could be a major inconvenience, for a lot of the reasons mentioned in this thread already. __________________ Last.FM \| Echoes and Dust

04-18-2010, 03:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
right-track Atchin' Akai Join Date: May 2005 Location: Unamerica Posts: 8,769	We've had no flights over the UK since (I think) Thursday and it doesn't look like there'll be any until tomorrow at the earliest. I live on the flight path for Manchester airport and it's weird not seeing any planes coming in to land. Can't say I miss them. Although I've got a package arriving from Germany and God knows when I'll get that now.