Eyjafjallajokull Glacier: Second Volcano Eruption Hits Iceland

Second Volcanic Eruption Underneath Eyjafjallajokull Glacier

A second volcanic eruption in one month is brewing underneath the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in the south of Iceland. The first election took place on March 20, causing 500 people to evacuate.

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Unlike the first eruption in March, Tuesday's eruption is happening underneath a glacier, which could lead to massive floods once ice starts to melt. Already it is reported that some of the rivers in the area rose up to three meters. Clouds of smoke and steam up to eight kilometers high are coming out from the volcano underneath Eyjafjallajokull, making it difficult for the scientists to pinpoint the exact location of the eruption. It is estimated eight hundred people have already been evacuated as one of the major roads in the area has been closed down.

Iceland's Meteorological Service says no lava is seen yet but melt-water flows both north and south of the mountain.

There are no reports of deaths, injuries or property damage at the time of publishing.

Two volcanic eruptions in one month is an unusual occurrence at the Eyjafjallajokull glacier. The last time a volcano erupted underneath the glacier was in 1821. Eyjafjallajokull glacier covers an area of up to 100 square kilometers, covering a volcano that reaches 1,700 meters in height.

Scientists are concerned about the neighbouring Katla volcano, which erupts in tandem with Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Katla sits underneath Myrdalsjokull ice cap and the eruption could cause widespread flooding.

Concerns over volcano ash reducing visibility are affecting air traffic over Norway. It is predicted that air traffic will be affected in the skies over Sweden and Russia as well. Iceland's International Airport in Keflavik remains open.

Here is a video of the aftermath of the second volcanic eruption.

Videos

New volcano Eruption at Eyjafjallajökull - aerial footage 14_04_2010

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sourced by Yuliya Talmazan