Can Icelandic volcanoes threaten the European environment?

A land of stunning landscapes and constant geothermal activity, Iceland is home to some of the most active volcanoes on the planet. While these formations are a reminder of the power of nature, they also represent a potential threat to the European environment.

Iceland: the land of fire and ice

Iceland sits at the intersection of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, making it a hot spot for volcanic activity. Some of its best-known volcanoes include Eyjafjallajökullwhose eruption in 2010 paralyzed air traffic in Europe, and the Katlaconsidered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the country.

Each eruption in Iceland not only affects the country, but can have significant repercussions on the entire European continent due to its strategic location and the magnitude of the volcanic events.

How do Icelandic volcanoes affect the European environment?

1. Air quality and public health

Volcanic eruptions emit large amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), a gas that can mix with water in the atmosphere to form acid rain or toxic sulfates.

• Immediate impact: During the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010, fine particles and SO₂ traveled through the atmosphere, affecting air quality in Europe. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, especially in people with pre-existing conditions.
• Long term: Volcanic aerosols can remain in the atmosphere for weeks, contributing to air pollution in distant areas.

2. Climate and global temperatures

Large volcanic eruptions can significantly influence the climate due to the emission of sulfur dioxide and fine particles that reach the stratosphere.

• Global cooling: When sulfuric aerosols reflect sunlight, they reduce the temperature of the Earth’s surface. For example, the 1783-1784 eruption of the Laki volcano in Iceland caused a cooling in Europe that contributed to crop failures and famine.
• Regional alterations: A change in weather patterns due to an eruption can bring colder winters and wetter summers to Europe.

3. Disruption of aviation and European economy

The most immediate impact of the Icelandic eruptions is the release of volcanic ash, which can cause severe damage to aircraft engines.

• Eyjafjallajökull case: In 2010, more than 100,000 flights were canceled in Europe, affecting millions of passengers and causing economic losses estimated at 5 billion euros.
• Future outlook: A larger eruption, like Katla, could cause even greater disruption, affecting not only aviation but also trade and supply chains.

4. Impacts on European ecosystems

Volcanic eruptions can release large amounts of heavy metals and other chemical compounds that end up in soils and bodies of water, affecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

• Water pollution: Rivers and lakes can experience an increase in acidity and toxicity, harming sensitive species such as fish and amphibians.
• Effects on agriculture: Acid rains associated with volcanic aerosols can damage crops and reduce soil fertility, affecting food security in Europe.

How likely is a catastrophic event?

Although most Icelandic eruptions are moderate in terms of magnitude, events such as Laki or the Katla could have significant impacts:

• Laki (1783-1784): This eruption released huge amounts of sulfur dioxide, causing a volcanic winter in Europe and a drop in global temperatures.
• Katla: With a high eruptive frequency, it is considered a latent threat. A massive eruption could release more ash and gas than Eyjafjallajökull, with serious climatic and environmental consequences.

Are we prepared to mitigate the effects?

Volcanic eruptions are unpredictable phenomena, but science has advanced in its ability to monitor and mitigate their effects:

1. Monitoring and early warnings
   Iceland has one of the most advanced volcanic monitoring systems in the world, allowing it to anticipate eruptions and take preventive measures.
2. International collaboration
   The European Union is working on coordinated response protocols to minimize impacts on public health, transportation and the economy.
3. Climate research
   Scientists continue to study how eruptions affect global climate to improve predictions and adapt to changes.