The impact of eruptions: Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
I can describe and explain the forces at work when volcanoes erupt, and how these may alter the landscape and environment.
The impact of eruptions: Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
I can describe and explain the forces at work when volcanoes erupt, and how these may alter the landscape and environment.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Iceland is located on the Mid Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge.
- The eruption of Eyjafjallajökull occurred on 14 April 2010 and continued for over one month.
- Heat from the eruption caused the glacier covering Eyjafjallajökull to melt and the resulting flood water damaged roads.
- Ash from the eruption rose high into the atmosphere and grounded aircraft, impacting on the European economy.
Keywords
Diverge - To diverge is to go in different directions from the same starting point
Economy - The economy is the way money in a particular area is made and spent
Meltwater - Meltwater is water from the melting of snow or ice
Common misconception
Pupils assume that all volcanic eruptions cause fatalities.
Fatalities are reduced through detection and warning systems; evacuation procedures; emergency service response, training and funding. Iceland is very well prepared for volcanic eruptions.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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