The Eyjafjallajokul Effect

How to say it: AY-uh-fyat-luh-YOE-kuutl-uh, that is -ay as in day, -fy as in few, -oe as the ‘u’ in cur, -uu as in boot, -tl as in atlas. The -uh is ‘a’ as in ago. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.

What it means: Island mountain glacier. 

When a minor European Volcano decides to erupt, it does not often make the major headlines of the news. But the Eyjafjallajokull effect has been a different story, closing down European aerospace and casting a large cloud of volcanic dust across much of Europe. What is the potential effect of 'that' volcanoes eruption in Iceland?

Europe is not usually associated with volcanic activity, neither is Iceland much in the news nowadays. But when Eyjafjallajokull, started to erupt and spit out ice and lava earlier this year, few people noticed, until airports were closed.

Eyjafjallajokul, sounds spectacular but the name simply means the "islands mountains glacier". Icelanders generally see this volcanoes sister, Katla as the biggest threat but are probably bemused as the current cloud of ash is floating across mainland Europe, and the UK causing some panic.

Norse legend has it that humankind was created after the volcanoes in Iceland erupted. These potent and often ignored Volcanoes are a modern day source of geo-thermal energy, and a must see spot for curious tourists. But also serve as a warning as to how nature can disrupt modern hi-tech societies.

Despite claims that the eruption of Eyjafjallajokul, is subsiding some geologist fear a repeat of the last great eruption of 1821-23 when the first volcanic eruption, lead to the second eruption of Katla-causing much more damage then just closed airports.

If Katla does erupt, then experts state that sea levels may rise due to the break up of ice in the area surrounding both Eyjafjallajokul, and Katla. Whilst the volcanic dust cloud could get far worse, and close off much of Europe's airspace for months - not only disrupting air traffic but grounding it.

How this would effect Europe's transport routes and trade is anyone's guess. One theory is that the areas affected by volcanic dust may get colder, whilst global trade would switch to shipping, rail and road transport. This could hurt perishable products, which often need air transport like pharmaceuticals, fresh fruit and vegetables- driving up prices.

It could also effect the up-coming European tourist season, were traditionally people head for warmer climates like Southern Europe, and Turkey for their vacation. If flights are grounded, then Europe's roads will be congested, whilst long-haul destinations could see a further fall in tourist numbers.

One potential winner in all this could be Iceland. Currently mired in a deep recession, curious visitors could flock to see the volcanic activity, and create a much needed minor boom in ecological tourism. If they can get to Iceland by sea.

Yet, the final result of a possible dual eruption of both Eyjafjallajokull, and Katla could be the realization that humankind has no control over nature, despite the technology we use. And as in old Norse legend, the eruption of Volcanoes may after all, create something very new.


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Rishi Doshi