Erik Klemetti at Science Blogs:
The fissure vent eruption on Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland on March 21, 2010.
The big news this morning is the eruption that started last night at Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland, producing a 1-km fissure vent. The pictures and videos I’ve seen so far have been quite impressive, with the classic look of a “curtain of fire”, where basaltic lava erupts explosively from a linear array of vents – you can see the geometry in the image from the BBC/AP (above). Especially clear is the dual nature of the eruption, with both the explosive fire fountains and the effusive (passive) lava flows from the root of the curtain of fire. In many “curtain of fire” eruptions on Hawai`i, the curtain (see below) eventually coalesces into a single fire fountain, sometimes producing fountains that can reach a few kilometers in height. This will be something to watch for in the coming days if the eruption continues.
Here is some video taken last night of the fissure eruption – impressive stuff!
Daylight image of the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull.Airspace over Iceland is closed for the moment, although these style of eruptions don’t produce much of volcanic ash – although there is likely significant fine droplets of lava forming some ash fragments, Pele’s tears and Pele’s hair (all basaltic volcanic products). However, eruptions like this can emit a lot of volcanic gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide – much like this eruptions distant relative, the Laki eruption of 1783. And even though the eruption is explosive, the hazard to surrounding communities is relatively low unless the lava flows encroach on populated areas or there is significant ice/snow melt to produce lahars or a jokulhlaup. However, Icelandic authorities have evacuated hundreds of people from the region near the eruption as a precaution (with text messages no less!)
Jim Andrews at AccuWeather:
The eruption reportedly began beneath glacial ice, a potentially serious situation wherein water can burst out of the glacier to inundate areas down stream. The lava fissure was later said to have established outside, albeit next to, the glacier, suggesting a reduced flood threat.
Iceland’s volcanos are primarily basaltic volcanos. As such, the tend to yield hot, fluid lava flows. Major explosions are the exception, but can happen when lava meets ground water.
The highest volcanos of Iceland are capped by major ice sheets, as they effectively capture moisture from frequent North Atlantic storms. Historically, extreme glacial outburst floods have burst from these glaciers and swept to the south coast of the island.
Dennis Bodzash at The Examiner:
For this volcano, this is the first eruption since 1821. Scientists admit that there was little warning of an eruption, all the more proof that one can never be too complacent with nature.
As this is a major event from the area, cameras were undoubtedly rolling. However, since the story continues to break, photos so far are few. Undoubtedly more photos will appear as the day goes on, so stay tuned.
Galleries/videos:
Google Images
Youtube 1
Youtube 2For a look back, here is rare video of Iceland’s famous eruptions during the 1970s:
Youtube
Volcanoes in general:
Volcanoes.com
Live Science
The Smithsonian InstituteAnd for some news on the Cleveland front:
Buzzard Day is here!
Geophysicist Páll Einarsson said all known eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull have been in connection with eruptions in the neighboring volcano Katla underneath the Mýrdalsjökull icecap. Now that Eyjafjallajökull has started to erupt, Katla might follow.
[...]
“Katla is of a completely different kind […] but they seem to be connected, because all known eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull were related to Katla eruptions and therefore it seems that they might a prelude to eruptions in Katla,” Einarsson said.
“Eyjafjallajökull might to a certain extent work as a detonator for a dynamite explosion,” the geophysicist added. “If it goes off it is like Katla can’t resist it and also wants to join in. Those eruptions can be big and cause extensive damage.”
Almost all of the 600 people evacuated following a volcanic eruption in southern Iceland have been allowed to return home and all flights resumed in the Nordic island country, authorities say.
“We are allowing almost all of the 600 inhabitants to return to their homes, with the exception of the residents of 14 farms who are not allowed to return,” local police chief Kjartan Thorkelsson said at 1730 GMT on Saturday (0430 AEDT on Sunday).
“All roads have now been opened, but we encourage people not to drive unless it is necessary,” he said. “There is still an official situation of danger because of the volcanic eruption.”
Hjordis Gudmundsdottir of the Icelandic airport authority meanwhile said all domestic flights had resumed about 1600 GMT on Saturday (0300 AEDT on Sunday).
After being halted following the eruption, traffic in and out of Iceland started up again about 1100 GMT (2200 AEDT), but most international flights suffered serious delays.
“There are no problems getting to Iceland and domestic flights have now resumed, but of course there are delays,” Gudmundsdottir said.
She said air traffic was still barred from a small area, “but it’s not a big area, and it’s OK to fly (in the area) if it’s above 5000 feet (1524 metres).”
“The problem with (volcanic) ashes wasn’t as bad as we thought it could be,” she said.
UPDATE: Read that last line again. And then read Nicola Clark and Liz Robbins in NYT
Ryan Avent at Free Exchange at The Economist
Denis Boyles at The Corner
UPDATE #2: Anne Applebaum in Slate
Christopher Hitchens in Slate
UPDATE #3: Graeme Wood at The Atlantic
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