Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland 2010 (Volcano Case Study) | AQA GCSE 9-1 Geography

Summary

In April 2010, the Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted in Iceland, causing widespread disruption across Europe. Located at the boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the eruption sent ash and lava into the atmosphere, with significant effects including melting glaciers, flooding, and economic losses, particularly in Kenya’s agriculture sector. Immediate responses included flight cancellations and evacuations, while long-term efforts focused on rebuilding infrastructure, clearing ash, and promoting volcano tourism. This event demonstrated the far-reaching impact of volcanic eruptions beyond their immediate vicinity.

Takeaways

• 🌋 Eyjafjallajökull, an Icelandic volcano, erupted in April 2010, impacting Iceland and much of western and northern Europe.
• 🗺️ The volcano is located on the constructive plate boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• 🔥 The eruption lasted from April to May 2010, with the official end declared in October of the same year.
• 🌪️ Primary effects included over 1 billion cubic meters of tephra (ashfall) and 100 million cubic meters of lava being ejected.
• 🌫️ An ash cloud reached heights of around 10 kilometers during the eruption, causing widespread disruption.
• 🌊 Secondary effects included flooding from melted glaciers, with water flowing at 3,000 cubic meters per second through the River Markarfljót.
• 🌾 Crops were heavily damaged by the ashfall, and over 50,000 Kenyan farmers faced unemployment as their goods couldn’t be sold.
• 🌸 The Kenyan Flower Council reported the destruction of 3,000 tons of flowers due to disrupted transport routes.
• 🚗 Iceland's Route 1 was affected, with part of the main road washed away by the eruption's effects.
• ✈️ Immediate responses included the cancellation of flights, affecting 10 million travelers and costing airlines £200 million daily.
• 🏘️ Long-term responses included the reconstruction of the Markarfljót Bridge, rebuilding roads, and the development of volcano tourism infrastructure.
• 🌋 Ash from the eruption was cleared from farmland and rivers, and local industries adapted by selling jewelry made from volcanic ash.

Q & A

What was the name of the Icelandic volcano that erupted in 2010?

The volcano is called Eyjafjallajökull.

Where is Eyjafjallajökull located?

Eyjafjallajökull is located in the southwest of Iceland.

What geological feature is Eyjafjallajökull situated on?

Eyjafjallajökull is situated on the constructive plate boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

When did the Eyjafjallajökull eruption occur?

The eruption occurred in April and May of 2010, with the eruption officially declared over in October 2010.

What were the primary effects of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption?

The primary effects included the ejection of over 1 billion cubic meters of tephra (ashfall) and over 100 million cubic meters of lava, as well as an ash cloud that reached around 10 kilometers in height.

What were the secondary effects of the eruption?

Secondary effects included glaciers melting, causing flooding in the River Markarfljót, and damage to crops. Additionally, the eruption led to unemployment for over 50,000 Kenyan farmers, as well as the destruction of 3,000 tons of flowers in Kenya.

How did the eruption affect Route 1 in Iceland?

Part of Route 1, Iceland's main road, was washed away due to the eruption.

What immediate responses were taken after the eruption?

Immediate responses included flight cancellations affecting 10 million travelers, the evacuation of around 500 families, the removal of the Markarfljót Bridge to prevent destruction, and the establishment of help centers by the Icelandic Red Cross for locals and stranded tourists.

What were some long-term responses to the Eyjafjallajökull eruption?

Long-term responses included the rebuilding of the Markarfljót Bridge, reconstruction of roads, the establishment of new hotels and attractions for volcano tourism, clearing of ash from farmland, and the digging up of ash from the bottom of rivers to make them deeper.

How did the Icelandic economy benefit from the eruption in the long term?

The long-term benefit to the economy came from the development of volcano tourism, with new hotels and visitor attractions built, as well as the selling of jewelry made from ash to tourists.