[ ashcloud ]

[ ashcloud ]

April 24 2010, ashcloud over Reykjanes peninsula



After shutting down european air traffic successfully for more in a week, the large scale atmospheric flow over the North Atlantic changed and transported volcanic ash from the Eyjafjallajökull-eruption eastwards towards the Icelandic capital. Blocked by the southeastern mountain range the flow has been slowed down and redirected or channeled towards the Reykjanes peninsula. While the peninsula, including the Icelandic International Airport Keflavík, has been greatly affected by the event, the capital region has been almost uninfluenced. A strong particle concentration in Reykjavík with measurements similar to high smog levels could only be measured 48 hours later when winds increased and the blocking effect of the mountains got less significant. For the first time since the eruption started, Iceland itself had to shut down their international airport.

The picture is taken from Sörlaskjól Street in Vesturbae suburb of Reykjavík. Vesturbae is on the left, followed by Kopavogur, Hafnarfjördur and then the Reykjanes peninsula with Álftanes (Bessastadir) in the foreground.