AccuWeather meteorologists warned that flight disruptions could be a
possibility in the coming weeks if a volcano in Iceland showing
increased signs of seismic activity erupts.
Volcanic ash sent into the atmosphere could cause air travel
disruptions and potentially damage jet engines, according to the
AccuWeather Global Weather Center, citing the Eyjafjallajoekull volcano
eruption in 2010, which disrupted air travel for weeks.
But the volcanic characteristics and location of the
Eyjafjallajoekull volcano from 2010 and the current volcano near
Grindavik are different, the centre said, meaning the broader impact to
air travel is not necessarily expected to be as severe.
"The Eyjafjallajoekull volcano is located at high elevation, more
than 5,500 feet (1,676 metres), and is essentially covered by an ice
glacier," said chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter. "The volcano near
Grindavik is not encapsulated in an ice cap, but if it erupts, it can
still introduce plumes of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, which can
travel on the upper-level winds."
Icelandic authorities raised their aviation alert to orange,
according to the Associated Press, indicating an increased risk of a
volcanic eruption.
The town of Grindavik, which was evacuated after activity was
detected, is on the Reykjanes Peninsula about 50 kilometres southwest of
Reykjavik and 26 kilometres from Keflavik airport. The region was
shaken by hundreds of small earthquakes every day for about two weeks,
the AP said. A magnitude 4.8 quake on Thursday forced the temporary
closure of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland's biggest tourist attractions, is
closed at least through 30 November because of the risk of eruption.
AccuWeather advised travellers to closely monitor travel to Europe
within the next few weeks, and it added that atmospheric ash could still
result in the closure of portions of air space.
Source: Travel Weekly