When a volcano in Iceland erupted in 2010, hundreds of planes were grounded by volcanic ash. Why? Past experience had shown just how dangerous flying in an ash cloud can be.
- In March 2010, the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland grounded commercial flights over western and northern Europe.
- The giant ash cloud produced by the eruption was hazardous to airplanes.
- Small particles of rock and ash can stop aircraft engines working.
- This forced airports to close around the world.
Throughout history, volcanoes have ejected staggering quantities of material into our atmosphere.
In our modern world, these eruptions pose many dangers.
But it isn't always the ejected lava that causes the most problems.
On March 20th 2010 a volcano erupted in Iceland.
It was a relatively minor eruption, but the resulting giant ...
Please log in to view and download the complete transcript.