Category: science
Aurora activity due in the UK
Leading Geologist's Latest view on Iceland Volcano
The Nordic Newspaper IceNews posed some pressing questions about the Eyjafjallajokull eruption to Ari Trausti Gudmundsson, the prominent Icelandic geologist, journalist and author. Ari Trausti’s published works include books about volcanoes, nature, environmental protection and astronomy.
The Eyjafjallajökull eruption has now (by May 5th) entered its third phase. The first was the lava eruption at the Fimmvörðuháls Ridge. The second was almost a week of rather intense ash production (due to much water from melting ice). The third is characterised by far less ash production (10% or less of the original) but substantial lava flow. The eruption is still somewhat explosive so that ash is carried half as high as before and big lava lumps fly short distances. Two eruption vents are now silent and only the northernmost is active, building up a solid scoria and lava crater within a big ice cauldron in the summit crater of the volcano. The thick lava is tunnelling its way beneath the glacier ice, heading north and downwards to the base of the volcano. Bouts of meltwater flow from the Gígjökull outlet glacier but the discharge is far from being what it was during the first day of the summit eruption.
Are there any indications at all as to how long this eruption might continue?
No, there are none. The registered volcanic tremors are still in good order. The intensity may swing but it seems that the magma flow rate is stable, seen over 2-3 days. The land around the volcano has subsided (according to GPS-monitoring), but less so now than a few days ago. A central volcano eruption, like this one, can continue for weeks or months to come, even years, but the eruption might also “take a break” and then continue. The chosen scenario would be that it abated rather quickly from now; and this could of course happen.
How likely do you think we are to see another eruption in the very near future?
The average eruption rate in Iceland is one eruption every 4-5 years or so. Sometimes a number of them may occur within a decade but a decade may pass with only one eruption, or none. So, we will see an eruption in the future but today there is no indication of where or when.
Is it really safe to visit Iceland ?
Yes it absolutely is. Think of the last 5-6 decades. It was totally safe to visit Iceland then, despite a number of volcanic eruptions. This time it is utterly safe as well. Everything functions normally and the farming area where damage has been done is not large (but some farms are really struggling and need assistance which they get from volunteers and official institutions). The only snag is that air traffic in Iceland and close-by (not all over Europe or farther away) may have to face some closures for a day or two, if winds are unfavourable, based on that the eruption holds its current phase or lessens. It is downright interesting to witness an eruption, so there is a good reason to visit.
Why is it that the ash chaos seems to be over now even though the eruption isn’t?
The ash production is still at hand (and causing troubles close to the volcano) but the power of the explosive activity is much less than before and the fine grained ash is not spread as far as before, partly because the volume is not large and it is not carried high into the air. The lava flow has ample room below the mountain slopes, without causing any havoc and gasses are only problematic very close to the site where meltwater flows from the Gígjökull outlet glacier.
What can we do, as society and as individuals, to make ourselves safer?
The Icelanders have done everything in their power to prevent problems or damage and the monitoring system is good as well as measures taken by the Civil Protection Department. Some 99% of the population is safe and so will every visitor be. The 1% living close to the volcano is safe even if they have to take on the ash fall and fight the consequences. In other countries everyone is safe but governments and transport authorities should address the issue of volcanoes in Italy or Iceland disturbing air traffic in the future.
Is this volcano going to affect the climate?
No, far from it. This eruption (i.e. the productivity and intensity) classifies as a small eruption. Even if it drags on for a long time, no effect on the climate will be noted.
Only in Australia...
In fact, so unique it is this destination that there are literally hundreds of experiences here that you will find nowhere else... From driving along the world's largest war memorial to exploring the most ancient rainforest, swimming over the largest living organism or seeing with your own eyes evidence of life on earth from 3.5 billion years ago - it's not just a breathtakingly beautiful country, it's also pretty darned interesting too!!
You can find out more about our favourite 5 unique experiences on our website, or delve further in to Australia's fascinating facts with a full list of the top 100...
BBC Series Oceans Venture to the Arctic
Some of you may have already been watching the fantastic BBC 2 series Oceans but for those of you who haven’t this brief introduction sheds light on this incredible programme……look out for the episode on the Arctic!
Oceans is an 8-part series which looks in to the state of our oceans, the role they have played in the past, present and future with the aim of a better understanding them. The 18 strong production team led by explorer Paul Rose includes environmentalist Philippe Cousteau (grandson of Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau), maritime archaeologist Dr Lucy Blue and marine biologist and oceanographer Tooni Mahto. In the creation of this series the team ventured into extreme environments over the course of a year from the Red Sea to the Arctic.
For me the Arctic is an area I cannot wait to see on Oceans, being one of the most inaccessible oceans in the world and an area that is most sensitive to climatic change this is bound to be an incredible episode and both highly interesting as well as awe-inspiring. The team travelled to the waters near Svalbard with the aim of getting a glimpse of the wonderful Arctic wildlife and phenomena and to get a snapshot of the state of some polar ecosystems. For those of you who are just bursting to see this Arctic episode, click here for behind the scenes footage and further information. Or if you feel the urge to discover this truly unique region first-hand click here!
VIEW THE NORTHERN LIGHTS FROM SPACE IN 2012!
Richard Branson ’s venture Virgin Galactic has chosen Spaceport Sweden to be an operational partner in the personal suborbital spaceflight project. Branson recently flew to Sweden to give an exclusive television interview on the exciting collaboration in which he commented that he would like to send people up into space to enjoy the northern lights from new heights! Branson announced that once they have begun their space programme in New Mexico they hope that the next base will be in Kiruna, Swedish Lapland and possibly the first flight to be in 2012 (roughly!).
There are so many wonderful experiences to be had in Swedish Lapland already but imagine husky sledging, venturing up into space to view the northern lights and sleeping on ice at the famous Icehotel® all in one day! What adjective would do justice in describing that experience?!
My fingers are crossed that Kiruna could be the next base for the Virgin Galactic project!
For those wishing to view the northern lights with their feet firmly on the ground click here to view a range of holidays for opportunities to observe this spectacular phenomenon.
Polar Bears International - Research & Conservation
Polar Bears International is a fascinating website for all you polar bear enthusiasts out there! The website has links to a Polar Bear Tracker providing invaluable information as to the movements of collared bears in the Beaufort Sea, north of Alaska, and also features a Churchill webcam (which will be live in October - in the meantime the 'highlights' are well worth a look!). As well as spying on what the bears are up to, the website offers comprehensive information regarding research into and the science of these majestic animals, as well as outreach through an educational programme. If you're considering taking one of our Polar Bear land-based tours to Churchill, then why not visit the above website for some background reading and a sneak preview of the fantastic polar bear sightings that you can anticipate on the Arctic tundra.
BBC Newsnight in the Arctic
BBC Newsnight's science editor, Susan Watts, has joined the Scottish Association of Marine Sciences (SAMS) onboard the British Antarctic Survey's icebreaker- the James Clark Ross for the final few days of their research cruise in the Arctic. Their mission? To capture a detailed scientific snapshot of life in the Arctic ocean. The research cruise will investigate the tiny life forms that live in the icy Arctic waters, and hopefully gain a better understanding of the effects of climate change. The James Clark Ross will be exploring the area around Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Already the scientists have reported numerous sightings of polar bears and walruses - you can read more about their observations of this stunning 'research laboratory' and wildlife encounters on their daily webdiary/blog, and see video reports as to their research and findings on BBC Newsnight's website.
Giant Underwater Volcano discovered in Iceland
Volcanologist Ármann Höskuldsson from the University of Iceland and a team of scientists recently discovered a more than 50-square-kilometre volcano off the Reykjanes peninsula, in southwest Iceland, and expect it to erupt at any time. In the centre of the volcano there is a caldera measuring ten kilometres in diameter. The volcanologist stated that, “people shouldn’t be surprised if there would be an extensive volcanic eruption underwater there soon. Nothing has happened for hundreds of years and it is in fact only a matter of time before there will be an eruption,”.
Since the volcano is at a depth of 1,500 metres eruptions would not have any effect on Iceland, except perhaps causing minor earthquakes. The volcano’s discovery is considered significant because geographers believed it couldn’t exist in that area. “Such large volcanoes are not typically located on oceanic ridges. They are always drifting apart and that prevents a volcano from being created. This is why the volcano’s existence came as such a surprise,” Höskuldsson said. In summer, Höskuldsson and his team will present the conclusions of their studies at the annual conference of the International Association of Volcanologists, which will be held in Iceland. Nine hundred people have already registered for the conference. In summer 2009 they plan use a small submarine to undertake more detailed research of the underwater volcano.
Remember, Discover the World has a 'Volcano Hotline' which springs into action (running special trips) as volcanoes errupt in this active geothermal area. Thanks to its unique position on the edge of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, Iceland has a wealth of volcanoes which dot the landscape - yet another reason to visit this spectacular country.
