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Research finds second source of potentially disruptive Icelandic volcanoesApril 3, 2013
New research by The Open University and Lancaster University discovered another type of Icelandic volcanic eruption that could cause disruption.
Published in Geology (February 2013), the team found magma that is twice as 'fizzy' as previously believed, which increases the likelihood of disruptive ash clouds from future eruptions.
Many of the largest explosive eruptions in Iceland involve a viscous, high-silica magma called rhyolite, and are driven by volcanic gases (mostly water and carbon dioxide). It is these gases that give a volcanic eruption its fizz. At depth these gases are dissolved within the magma, but as the magma rises towards the surface during an eruption, the gases expand dramatically, causing the magma to froth and accelerate upwards as a foam. The viscous rhyolite foam breaks down into tiny ash fragments which form the ash clouds...
Previously scientists had thought that Icelandic magma was less fizzy than those from Pacific Ocean volcanoes and expected much less explosive eruptions by comparison. However, this
new research suggests some Icelandic volcanoes could produce eruptions just as explosive as those in the Pacific Rim...
Dr Dave McGarvie, Senior Lecturer, Volcano Dynamics Group at The Open University, said: "We know that large explosive eruptions have occurred at infamous volcanoes such as Hekla and Katla, but
it is important also to appreciate that large explosive eruptions are also produced by less well-known Icelandic volcanoes such as Torfajokull and Oraefajokull."
Dr Hugh Tuffen, Royal Society University Research Fellow at Lancaster University, said: "
The discovery is rather worrying, as it shows that Icelandic volcanoes have the potential to be even more explosive than anticipated. Added to this is the view of several eminent scientists that Iceland is entering a period of increased volcanic activity. Iceland's position close to mainland Europe and the north Atlantic flight corridors means air travel could be affected again."