Iceland Engulfed by Volcanic Cloud

Experts in Iceland are attributing the persistent volcanic cloud covering much of the island since last week’s eruption to a lack of wind.

The eruption from two craters on the Reykjanes peninsula on Wednesday released a sulfur-packed cloud, leading to a pollution red alert—the highest level—for the capital, Reykjavik, and the southwest of the country.

Sulfur Dioxide Causes Volcanic Fog

Hylnur Arnason of the Icelandic Energy and Environment Agency explained that volcanic eruptions typically produce air pollution, primarily from sulfur dioxide.

This gas then transforms into sulfate in the atmosphere, forming a volcanic fog or haze. “It’s completely misty in large parts of the country,” Arnason noted.

He further elaborated that Iceland usually experiences strong winds that disperse such pollution, but the current calm conditions have allowed the cloud to remain. “Now it’s kind of just sitting over the whole country,” he said. While the gas is not considered toxic, Arnason cautioned that it can be an “irritant.”

The Environment Agency has advised vulnerable individuals to stay indoors and take precautions against the pollution. Winds are anticipated to pick up again late on Monday, which should help to clear the lingering haze.