Briefly Describe the Geologic Setting of Eyjafjallajokull

¶ … Eyjafjallajokull One of the countries that has the most volcanic and seismic activity is Iceland. This is because the nation is sitting at the edge of a ring of volcanos that are rising out of the Atlantic Ocean. The most notable is Eyjafjallajokull, which has unique features and landscape. To fully understand this volcano there will be a focus on its geological setting and how its eruptions have impacted humans. Together, these elements will highlight the distinguishing characteristics of Eyjafjallajokull and its effect on communities.

Briefly describe the geologic setting of Eyjafjallajokull Eyjafjallajokull is sitting beneath a glacier and it is a part of string of volcanos. The mountain is fed by a magma chamber that is coming from a tectonic divergence in the Mid Atlantic range. It is a strata-volcano that stands 5,417 ft. And has crater from 1.9 to 2.5 miles in diameter. This sits in the backdrop of different mountain peaks, which are part of the same volcanic chain.

These different elements are showing how the geological setting is one that is of a dry, cold and rugged environment. (Feigl) (Strukell) In detail, describe how its eruption impacted humans. The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull had an adverse impact on humans. This occurs with the high amounts of ash, CO2, water and chemicals that the volcano will emit. In 1821 and 1823, the mountain erupted and caused high amounts of fluoride to go into the water supply.

As the glacier run off (from the volcano) affected local communities (with excessive amounts having an impact on the bone structure of: cattle, sheep, horses and humans). (Feigl) (Strukell) At the same time, the tremendous amounts of ash will have an effect on air quality and it can disrupt travel. After the 2010 eruption, this created a number of problems for many flights going across the Atlantic and into Northern Europe (effectively shutting down air travel in a number of countries).

This negatively impacted the economy of the region by disrupting commerce. While the airlines were forced to deal with losses from cancelations and accommodating stranded passengers. (Feigl) (Strukell) Moreover, the melting water from the glacier will pose a threat to local inhabitants who live near the volcano. This is because an eruption from Eyjafjallajokull releases tremendous amounts of water into rivers and streams. When this happens, a number of communities are subject to flash floods and mudslides from the mountain.

This increases the amounts of property damage and the possibility that there will be lives lost in the process. (Feigl) (Strukell) These different factors are showing how an irruption will have negative impacts on humans. This will occur by posing a direct threat to health, property or the lives of people. While at the same time, there will be disruptions in economic activity and air travel. This will cause growth to slow in a number of.