Eyjafjallajökull volcano

Eyjafjallajökull, a subglacial volcano in Iceland, gained global notoriety in 2010 for its eruption that disrupted European air travel.

About this subject

Eyjafjallajökull is a volcano beneath an eponymous glacier in southern Iceland, reaching 1,666 meters in elevation. Its 2010 eruption, rated VEI 4 (Volcanic Explosivity Index), lasted from March 20 to June 23, alternating between effusive and explosive phases. The interaction of magma with glacial ice produced a fine ash cloud rich in silica, rising to altitudes of up to 11 km. Carried by winds into Europe, this cloud triggered the largest airspace closure since World War II: over 100,000 flights were canceled, affecting 10 million passengers and costing an estimated 1.7 billion euros. The volcano is part of the Katla volcanic system, a much larger and more active caldera, and the eruption was preceded by seismic swarms and ground deformation since 2009. Despite the travel chaos, no direct fatalities occurred, and the event became a key case study for volcanic hazard management in glacial settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption cause so much air travel disruption?

Because the fine, abrasive volcanic ash could damage aircraft engines, prompting the precautionary closure of European airspace.

Is Eyjafjallajökull still active?

Yes, it is an active volcano, but it has not erupted since 2010. Continuous seismic monitoring is in place to detect signs of renewed activity.

What does the name Eyjafjallajökull mean?

In Icelandic, 'Eyjafjalla' refers to islands (eyja) and mountains (fjall), and 'jökull' means glacier, so 'glacier of the island mountains'.