Iceland engulfed by volcanic cloud
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Tourists watching smoke and lava emanating from a volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula on July 16.
PHOTO: AFP
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- Icelandic experts blamed a lack of wind for a volcanic cloud lingering over much of Iceland since a July 16 eruption.
- The eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula caused Reykjavik and the south-west to enter a pollution red alert due to sulphur dioxide.
- The Icelandic Energy and Environment Agency said the gas is not toxic but an "irritant", advising vulnerable people to take precautions.
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REYKJAVIK – Icelandic experts on July 21 blamed a lack of wind for a volcanic cloud that has lingered over much of the island since an eruption last week.
Two craters of a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula spewed out the sulphur-packed cloud on July 16.
The thick haze has left the capital Reykjavik and the south-west of the country in a pollution red alert, the highest level in Iceland’s monitoring system.
Mr Hlynur Arnason of the Icelandic Energy and Environment Agency said that volcanic eruptions normally cause air pollution, mainly from the sulphur dioxide that is emitted.
The gas becomes sulphate in the atmosphere, creating a volcanic fog.
“It’s completely misty in large parts of the country,” said Mr Arnason.
“Usually in Iceland, we have lots of wind, which would carry the pollution away, but right now we don’t,” the expert added.
“Now it’s kind of just sitting over the whole country.”
Mr Arnason said the gas was not toxic but could be an “irritant”.
The environment agency has recommended that vulnerable people should remain at home and take precautions against the pollution.
The wind was expected to start strengthening again late on July 21. AFP
Smoke from a July 16 volcanic eruption on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula has failed to dissipate owing to a lack of wind.
PHOTO: AFP
