Europe in danger of volcanic melt says North East scientist

Nov 23 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

FLOODS as powerful as the Amazon river could hit parts of Europe within decades, according to a North East scientist.

Dr Andy Russell, of Newcastle University, has been studying the impacts of flooding at a large Icelandic volcano-clad glacier.

These geological events – which can dramatically alter the surrounding landscape – are relatively frequent in Iceland, where a large sub-glacial eruption is long overdue.

The latest research has focussed on Mýrdalsjökull – Iceland’s southernmost glacier.

Melting glaciers and ice sheets are considered by many to be one of the greatest geological hazards associated with climate change.

Where glaciers are found on top of volcanoes enhanced glacier melting is likely to result in increased volcanic activity, enabling the sudden melt and release of large volumes of water as giant glacier outburst floods.

In Iceland enormous volumes of water and sediment suddenly entering the ocean during these floods have been known to generate tsunamis and extend the coastline by several kilometres within hours.

Volcanically triggered outburst floods are therefore a potent threat to surrounding communities and infrastructure.

Although subglacial volcanic eruptions are difficult to predict and impossible to prevent, Dr Russell and his research team have used evidence gathered within the routeways of former floods to gain a better understanding of what will happen during future outbursts.

“Knowledge of how outburst floods behaved previously enables us to better predict the impacts of future events and allows us to develop appropriate strategies to lessen their impact on the surrounding population,” said Dr Russell.

“We can’t predict or stop nature, but we can be prepared for it when she blows.”

Dr Russell has been working with academics and Earthwatch volunteers in Iceland for the last 10 years.

He said: “We’re looking at the possibility of a flow the size of the Amazon being released within less than an hour and that doesn’t give people much time to get out of way. The potential impact of much of our work is in helping to inform both the local population and the civil defence authorities to ensure they are as prepared as possible.”