BARDARBUNGA | The Giant Awakens | NEWS UPDATE on Bárðarbunga

An Iceland volcano is the primary source of fears and travel concerns again this year. Geologists warn that the second largest volcano in Iceland may be about to erupt – prompting many to recount last year’s horrific side effects.

From air quality and health concerns to thousands of flight delays, cancellations and altered routes – officials in Iceland know exactly what kind of impact this could have on their country.

The volcano in question is called Bárdarbunga. Bárdarbunga is a large and powerful stratovolcano with many seismic signs of activity in recent days.

A specialist in the field of geophysics, Pall Einarsson, a professor from the University of Iceland said:

“This is the most active area of the country if we look at the whole country together. There is no doubt that lava there is slowly growing, and the seismicity of the last few days is a sign of it.”

An official from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority tried to assure the public:

“We received warnings over Christmas time that Vatnafjöll volcano was going to erupt, but it never did. If the volcano was to erupt, there won’t be chaos this time. We have learned from the last event and we have totally different airline procedures and air traffic rules in place.”

In addition to ash plumes in the sky, another dangerous side effect is possible. The lava flow could easily lead to glacial floods once released.

http://www.indexonline.org/iceland-volcano-bardarbunga-threatens-erupt/3089