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Exploring the terrain
Students' Witness the Volcanic Eruption Which Shut Down British Airspace
15th April 2010
In March, Geology students from Hereford Sixth Form College took part in a five day study visit to Iceland, during which Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted. The eruption began just hours after the students and their two teachers, Dan Newton and Ann-Marie Dove, arrived. The volcano which had lain dormant for 200 years, erupted with little warning. The eruption forced the evacuation of over 500 people living in the immediate vicinity. The international airport and many roads were closed temporarily.
On the Sunday night, the group got to within eight miles of the volcano and enthusiastically watched it light up the night sky. Dan Newton commented that “It was a fantastic experience for all involved. We were not only lucky to see the eruption, but also that it did not disrupt our flights.”
Whilst on the trip the Icelandic guide expressed concerns that a larger volcano, Katla, could be triggered over the next few months. As the volcano is beneath a massive glacier, this could lead to catrostophic flooding (known as a jökulhlaup) for a country already crippled by the economic crisis.
The group was not only affected by the eruption but by extreme weather conditions. Whilst at a beach on the south coast, wind speed reached up to 110 miles per hour. One student, Stephen Watkins, commented that “We just couldn’t stay on our feet; the sand was blowing in our eyes and ears.”
All students returned safe and sound after what proved to be a thoroughly exciting and unforgettable adventure!
Tutor of Geography and Geology, Dan Newton, was also contacted by BBC Hereford & Worcester. Follow the link below to read extracts from Dan's radio interview:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/8639499.stm
click below to see more photos:
http://www.review.hereford.ac.uk/albums/2010/04/06/the_land_of_fire_and_ice