A massive dust storm swept yesterday across the area surrounding Langjökull glacier in west Iceland, reports the National Broadcasting Service. Geographer Skúli Magnús Þorvaldsson, who works for aerial mapping company Loftmyndir efh, first noticed the dust cloud.
The mist rose an estimated 2 kilometres (2.2 miles) up into the sky; higher than any dust storm Skúli has previously seen.
Dust storms such as this one are directly linked to the retreating of glaciers and are likely to become more frequent in the future. As the glaciers retreat, large glacial lagoons will temporarily form at their base. When they dry up, winds will stir up dust storms from the dry lake bed and carry the particles to neighbouring areas, thereby threatening flora and fauna.
“The airborne dust can also be hazardous to people who suffer from asthma,” Skúli told RÚV news.
A massive dust storm swept yesterday across the area surrounding Langjökull glacier in west Iceland, reports the National Broadcasting Service. Geographer Skúli Magnús Þorvaldsson, who works for aerial mapping company Loftmyndir efh, first noticed the dust cloud.
The mist rose an estimated 2 kilometres (2.2 miles) up into the sky; higher than any dust storm Skúli has previously seen.
Dust storms such as this one are directly linked to the retreating of glaciers and are likely to become more frequent in the future. As the glaciers retreat, large glacial lagoons will temporarily form at their base. When they dry up, winds will stir up dust storms from the dry lake bed and carry the particles to neighbouring areas, thereby threatening flora and fauna.
“The airborne dust can also be hazardous to people who suffer from asthma,” Skúli told RÚV news.
