Courtesy of yalibnan.com
Courtesy of blog.syracuse.comThis volcano is located under the Eyjafjallajokull Glacier of Iceland. Last erupted in 1823. The volcano has a crater 3 to 4 kilometers diameter.
The first eruption since 1823 was on 20th March 2010, not so damaging. The second eruption on 14th April, last Wednesday, has caused extensive air travel disruption across large parts of Europe. In the last two days, 38,000 flights were canceled, the biggest airspace closure in Europe since World War II.
The chemistry of the April 14 Eruption
The eruption occurred beneath glacial ice, and cold water from melting ice chilled the lava quickly, causing it to fragment into glass, creating small glass particles that were carried into the eruption plume. The force of eruption sent this glass-rich plume into the upper atmosphere. Due to the air-masses function, the plumes tended to be injected into the jet stream.
How it affects Aircraft
a) Sandblasting Effect
The sandblasting effect can damage the windscreen, the fuselage, landing light and propeller. It can add a layer of coating to the plane and add substantial weight to the plane that can affect its balance.
b) Clogging of the plane's sensor
Accumulation of ashes can block an aircraft pilot tubes that affects the air speed indicator.
c) Electromagnetic waves insulation
Volcanic ash particles are charged and can disturb radio communication.
d) Engine failure
Glass-rich volcanic ash will be sucked into the jet engine. The turbine operates at about 1400 degree celcius. Glass that melt at about 1100 degree celcius, can fuse onto the blades and other parts of turbine, erode parts, drive it out of balance and cause jams in rotating machinery, causing engine failure.
(Courtesy of Wikipedia)
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