Eyjafjallajökull volcano

Learn about Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland, whose 2010 eruption paralyzed European air travel for weeks.

About this subject

Eyjafjallajökull is a subglacial volcano located in southern Iceland, beneath an ice cap that gives it its name (meaning 'island-mountain-glacier'). Its formation is part of the active volcanic system of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates diverge. The volcano stands approximately 1,666 meters high, and its main crater is about 2.5 km in diameter, covered by ice.

The most famous eruption occurred between March and May 2010, when a fissure on the flank released lava, followed by a phreatic explosion under the glacier that generated vast amounts of fine ash. The ash plume reached up to 9 km in altitude and spread across Europe, forcing the closure of airspace in 20 countries for about six days. Over 100,000 flights were canceled and 10 million passengers stranded, causing billions in losses to global aviation.

The event became a milestone in the study of volcanic hazards and aviation regulation. Before 2010, Eyjafjallajökull had been inactive since 1821-1823, when its eruption lasted over a year. Seismic activity and ice melt are constantly monitored by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, which issues preventive alerts. Despite the air travel chaos, the eruption caused no direct fatalities and allowed advances in volcanic ash dispersion modeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Eyjafjallajökull volcano located?

It is located in southern Iceland, under an ice cap, about 150 km east of Reykjavík.

What were the impacts of the 2010 eruption?

It paralyzed European air travel for six days, with over 100,000 flights canceled and 10 million passengers affected, causing economic losses estimated in billions of euros.

Is Eyjafjallajökull still active?

Yes, it is considered active, but has not erupted since 2010. Seismic activity and ice melt are continuously monitored.