The epic eruption of Laki volcano, which occurred in 1783, is something that Icelanders will never forget. Even though the actual eruption date took place over 231 years ago, the mass destruction and geological affects are still felt today. Over 15 cubic kilometers of lava were discharged from the volcano as fountains of fire exploded into the air.
Science Journalist, Alexandra Witze, chronicles the significance of the Laki eruption in her piece, Laki: the forgotten volcano. Witze dives into the amazing, yet devastating, consequences caused by the eruption, that caused a death toll estimated in the millions. Furthermore, Witze explains that the Laki eruption was a crucible in the birth of modern volcanology.
From England to Germany to France, everyone from scholars to peasants wondered at the “dry fog” that had settled across the landscape.
Now fast-forward to present day happenings at the Holuhraun lava field eruption. Harmful gases have been emitted at the site of the lava discharge creating cause for concern, and stirring up memories of the Laki gas emissions that proved so harmful over 200 years ago.
Yesterday the situation has escalated to the point where the Environment Agency of Iceland, Umhverfisstofnun, issued a warning advising all elderly and young children in Reyðarfjörður, East Iceland, to stay inside and keep all windows shut. The warning was revoked some hours later as gas emissions decreased again. The events continue to be closely monitored by the Icelandic Met Office.
Icelander's know they can't be too cautious, thanks to the lessons learned from the historic Laki eruption that solidified Iceland's reputation as the country of fire and ice.
The epic eruption of Laki volcano, which occurred in 1783, is something that Icelanders will never forget. Even though the actual eruption date took place over 231 years ago, the mass destruction and geological affects are still felt today. Over 15 cubic kilometers of lava were discharged from the volcano as fountains of fire exploded into the air.
Science Journalist, Alexandra Witze, chronicles the significance of the Laki eruption in her piece, Laki: the forgotten volcano. Witze dives into the amazing, yet devastating, consequences caused by the eruption, that caused a death toll estimated in the millions. Furthermore, Witze explains that the Laki eruption was a crucible in the birth of modern volcanology.
From England to Germany to France, everyone from scholars to peasants wondered at the “dry fog” that had settled across the landscape.
Now fast-forward to present day happenings at the Holuhraun lava field eruption. Harmful gases have been emitted at the site of the lava discharge creating cause for concern, and stirring up memories of the Laki gas emissions that proved so harmful over 200 years ago.
Yesterday the situation has escalated to the point where the Environment Agency of Iceland, Umhverfisstofnun, issued a warning advising all elderly and young children in Reyðarfjörður, East Iceland, to stay inside and keep all windows shut. The warning was revoked some hours later as gas emissions decreased again. The events continue to be closely monitored by the Icelandic Met Office.
Icelander's know they can't be too cautious, thanks to the lessons learned from the historic Laki eruption that solidified Iceland's reputation as the country of fire and ice.
