Icelandic Volcanic Gases Extend Across Europe to Russia
A recent volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, which began on March 17, has led to the release of a large plume of sulfur dioxide gas, spreading across Northern Europe and reaching Ireland and the UK. The eruption has created a nearly 2-mile-long fissure between Mt. Hagafell and Mt. Stóra Skógfell, spewing lava and gas. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) predicts the gas plume will continue its eastward journey, moving over Scandinavia and potentially affecting the Baltic states, Poland, and northwestern Russia by Friday.
The sulfur dioxide emissions have prompted evacuations, including workers at the nearby Svartsengi power plant, and a state of emergency was declared in the region. While there have been concerns about the potential health effects of the gas, which can irritate respiratory systems and be lethal in high concentrations over prolonged periods, scientists do not expect significant impacts on surface air quality or climate. The gas emissions, which peaked at about 50 kilograms per second, have since decreased significantly.
Despite the decline in emissions, the volcanic activity continues to be monitored due to its potential to interact with the ozone layer. Experts have highlighted that the volcanic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula could mark the start of a centuries-long period of eruptions in the region. CAMS will continue to track the movement of the sulfur dioxide plume and its potential implications.
