Global Geological And Climatic Events

Volcanic Eruption in Iceland

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Eyjafjallajokull Eruption

Mains level: Read the attached story

Iceland

Central Idea

  • A volcanic eruption occurred near Iceland’s capital between Sýlingarfell and Hagafell, near the town of Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Iceland: ‘Land of Fire and Ice’

  • Geographical Location: Iceland is situated just south of the Arctic Circle in the North Atlantic Ocean.
  • Tectonic Setting: The country lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, marking the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
  • Unique Landscape: Iceland’s landscape features geysers, glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, and lava fields, housing 33 active volcanoes – the highest number in Europe.
  • Historical Settlement: The first human settlement in Iceland dates back to 874 by Norsemen from Scandinavia, leading to the founding of Reykjavik.

Recent Volcanic Activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula

  • Historical Dormancy: The Reykjanes Peninsula had not experienced volcanic eruptions for 800 years until recently.
  • Recent Eruptions: The current eruption is the fourth in less than three years on the peninsula, indicating a potential new era of volcanic activity.
  • Eyjafjallajokull Eruption: The last major volcanic event in Iceland that gained global attention was the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull.
  • Eruption Timeline and Impact: The volcano erupted twice in March and April 2010, spreading an ash cloud across continents and disrupting air traffic on the North Atlantic route for six days – the longest disruption since World War II.

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