Title: Volcanic Gas and Aerosol Hazards from a Future Laki-Type Eruption in Iceland
Abstract: The eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 and Grímsvötn in 2011 in Iceland were stark reminders that society is very vulnerable to volcanic hazards. This chapter assesses the potential impacts of a future Icelandic Laki-type eruption on air quality, human health, and aviation by combining atmospheric modeling, volcanological data sets, and epidemiological evidence. Depending on the duration of such an eruption, air quality could be degraded for weeks or months to a degree that visibility across Europe may be noticeably reduced and public health is at risk. In excess of 100,000 fatalities could occur in Europe due to such an eruption, depending on the length of exposure of individuals to fine particles. In contrast to the health effects caused by exposure to fine particles, sulfur dioxide (gas) concentrations at the surface away from Iceland appear to be a minor hazard. At flight altitude, a hazard from sulfur dioxide to aircraft passenger health and comfort is, however, implied.
Publication Year: 2015
Publication Date: 2015-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 7
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