Iceland Volcano Update

Eyjafjallajökull volcano remains active, ash cloud invading continental Europe    |  Ash prediction charts

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 16 May, 2010 : - - Latest information received from the Icelandic Meteorological Office indicates that the explosive activity from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano is continuing, with the ash plume reaching heights of up to around 25,000 ft. The Icelandic Meteorological Office state that there are no signs that the eruption is about to end, with the situation remaining dynamic.

The ash cloud has already pushed across parts of the UK, resulting in closures to UK airspace. Two dedicated atmospheric research aircraft, one from the UK and another from Germany, flew on Sunday to investigate the volcanic ash plume moving over the UK. Both aircraft found an extensive area of ash generally between 15,000ft and 20,000ft covering central and northern UK, drifting south. In many areas the cloud was clearly visible to the naked eye and was described as ‘a grey-black layer’. The pilots of the DLR aircraft reported that ‘one should not fly into this layer’.

The ash cloud is expected to clear the UK during Tuesday as south-westerly winds become established during Monday. The Met Office will provide frequently updated information to NATS and CAA about the movement of the volcanic ash, in line with the standards and tolerances set by the CAA and the aviation industry.

Operational decisions on airspace restrictions are the responsibility of CAA and further information on the impacts of the volcanic ash should be sought from them. However, no decision on airspace restrictions will be made more than 24 hours in advance.

Five day ash prediction charts

Five day ash prediction charts are now available to provide an indication of possible ash cloud dispersion beyond the short term. Until now, the Met Office has provided charts showing ash forecasts for the next 18 hours, and these remain the charts on which operational decisions are made.

Beyond 18 hours the Met Office have to deal with the unpredictability of the volcano and it is worth stressing that forecasts of winds become more uncertain the longer the lead time. Hence these forecasts are for general guidance only and you should refer to the short period charts for more accurate information.

www.metoffice.gov.uk

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