Eyjafjallajökull, 2010

Seismic activity that had built since late 2009 culminated on 20 March, when a 500 metre fissure opened in the Fimmvördueháls pass west of the ice-covered summit in the volcano's first activity for 190 years. A second phase from 14 April created an ash cloud that closed most of the European IFR airspace between 15 and 20 April, with lightning frequently seen in a column reaching 26,000 feet. By 21 May the second phase had subsided to the point that no further lava or ash was being produced.

Eruption start

2010-03-20

Eruption end

2010-06-23

Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI)

4

Volcano

Eyjafjallajokull

GVP volcano page

volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=372020

Category: Disasters & Incidents

Tags: iceland, fissure eruption, ash cloud, airspace closure, subglacial

Coordinates: 63.633, -19.633

Part of Volcanic eruptions of VEI 4 since 2000

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