Geeky Stuff = Eyjafjallajökull Ash Cloud; part two
Originally published at aindreas.com. You can comment here or there.
The consequences of the ash cloud over Europe are only being realised on a daily basis at the mo. Realistically the ash cloud could continue for another 10 years. I’ve written about this previously (see below). Why do I say 10 yrs? Because there are other recent Icelandic volcano examples that have had continued activity for ten years. What makes this special is it’s a pimple on the side of a much larger rumbling volcano and it’s under a continuous glacial ice sheet.
The reportage of the continuing active release of volcanic ash can be seen in the immediate cost to the most vulnerable industry, the airlines. Know Your Money have complied a few interesting graphics to illustrate the point. They have quiet an interesting blog too.
The Forecast 21 May 2010; Normal ref Eurocontrol
‘As of 10.00 CET on 17 May 2010, EUROCONTROL has the following update to make with regard to the situation of air traffic in Europe:
Today EUROCONTROL expects 28,000 flights in Europe. This is approximately 1,000 less than on a normal day, and is due to the expected impact of the current closure of airspace in the south-east of the UK and in the Netherlands.
The areas of ash concentration are mainly at low levels. During the course of the day, the current cloud is expected to disperse somewhat. By 14.00CET, the cloud is expected to mainly affect Northern Ireland, parts of Scotland and parts of south-west UK.
There may be some continuing disruption to flights in the greater London area. Delays will also be experienced by flights due to congestion in airspace adjacent to closed areas.
The latest ‘Air Ash Concentration Charts’ describing those areas where no-fly zone proposals have been made to the EUROCONTROL Member States are attached.
On Sunday 16 May, the disruptions in Ireland and north-west UK resulted in a reduction in expected number of flights by about 400. There were a total of 25,088 flights within the EUROCONTROL CFMU.’
pic@Eurocontrol, shows ash cloud 21 May 2010.
What does it mean to the consumer? There’s some massive bargains on holidaying in Ireland at the mo! (see 48 hrs in Dublin + 24hrs stay in Dublin) The Irish National Tourist body have brought in a charter of vacationer’s rights that over 1000 vacation businesses have signed up to. Excellent idea.
Thanks Claire
Related articles
- Eyjafjallajökull for another 10 yrs (aindeas.com)
- Ash cloud silver lining? Europe deals (cnn.com)
- Vacationers Reassured of Irish Hospitality (Tourism Ireland)
- Decades more Ash (new scientist)
