Published25 August 2024, 12:25
Sulfur DioxideA toxic cloud is heading towards us after the volcanic eruption
On Thursday, a volcano erupted in Iceland. On Sunday, a sulfur dioxide cloud will move over parts of Europe. However, Switzerland should largely be spared.
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Great Britain was covered on Sunday morning by a sulfur dioxide cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland.
The cloud has spread to parts of Scandinavia, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, and could reach Germany.
Iceland frequently experiences volcanic eruptions due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Great Britain was covered on Sunday morning by a large sulfur dioxide (SO2) cloud from the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland. According to data from the weather portal Windy, the SO2 cloud covered the entire country at four in the morning and was still visible over half of the United Kingdom at 8:45 a.m.
Sulfur dioxide, which is released in large quantities during volcanic eruptions, can cause symptoms such as sore throat, coughing, runny nose, burning eyes, tightness in the lungs, and breathing difficulties when inhaled. The colorless gas has a pungent odor often compared to rotten eggs and can cause burning pain, redness, and blisters upon skin contact, as reported by the “Daily Mail.”
Other parts of Europe affected
The spread of the SO2 cloud affects not only Great Britain but also parts of Scandinavia, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, as seen on Windy. According to forecasts, the outskirts are expected to reach Germany by evening. If the wind direction remains the same, Switzerland is likely to be only marginally affected. The gas concentrations can be particularly dangerous for elderly people who are especially vulnerable to inhalation symptoms.
People with asthma are also at risk. Studies show that higher SO2 levels lead to more asthma attacks. Young children may also react more sensitively to the effects of the gas due to their smaller body size.
Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is a significant air pollutant and contributes to the formation of acid rain, which has harmful effects on the environment and buildings. Sulfur dioxide is also used in industry, for example in the production of sulfuric acid or as a preservative in the food industry. In high concentrations, it can be harmful to health and cause respiratory problems as well as eye irritation. Sulfur dioxide is also a precursor to the formation of aerosols, which can impair visibility and influence climate.
Eruption of a volcano in Grindavik
The SO2 cloud comes from the eruption of a volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Grindavik, which erupted on Thursday. This eruption was expected due to ongoing seismic activities and pressure changes in drilling holes in the region.
Thousands of people had to be evacuated in Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon. Rescue teams were sent to the affected areas. Authorities warned the public to stay away from dangerous areas to ensure the safety of rescue workers.
It’s brewing under Iceland
Since 2021, Iceland has experienced eight volcanic eruptions that have led to mass evacuations from affected areas. Scientists discovered that the peninsula sits atop a connected magma system that could supply the volcanoes with molten rock for decades. According to Valentin Troll, a professor of petrology at Uppsala University in Sweden, this volcanic episode could last for many more years.
Iceland lies directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The drift of these plates allows hot masses of rock from the Earth’s mantle to reach the surface, making volcanic eruptions in Iceland a common phenomenon.
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