Published: March 25, 2010

Eruption of Katla Volcano Could Cause Flooding and Disrupt Flights

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The eruption under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in Iceland is relatively small, by some standards, and so far there have been no casualties reported.

However, scientists are becoming concerned that the nearby Katla volcano may also erupt. Historically, the Katla volcano usually erupts when others in the same volcanic system do.

The Katla volcano is considered one of the most dangerous on Iceland and is partly covered by the fourth largest glacier, the Mýrdalsjökull.

Although the volcano normally erupts every 40-80 years, the last one was in 1918, which means the next eruption is overdue.

Depending on the strength of the eruption and its duration (which could last at least 3 weeks), will dictate the severity of the flooding and disruption of flights in the region.

The estimated flood discharge following an eruption in 1755, has been compared to the combined average discharge of the Amazon, Mississippi, Nile and Yangtze rivers.

Whether the eruption of the volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier this month (which has been dormant for a long time) will have any bearing on the outcome remains to be seen.

With the increased number of earthquakes seen recently and strange climatic changes, it is perhaps not surprising that many are wondering whether something unusual is happening to our planet, especially with the year 2012 fast approaching.

Earth has experienced many catastrophic events in its history, and we can expect many more in the future. Some will even threaten the very existence of mankind, which is a good reason to enjoy the life we have to the full.