A toxic gas cloud from volcanic eruptions in Iceland has drifted over northern Scotland and is expected to move further down the UK. The sulphur dioxide cloud, originating from eruptions near Grindavik, Iceland on August 22, reached the Highlands early on August 26. Met Office experts are monitoring the cloud’s trajectory, predicting it will travel south through Scotland and beyond this week.
Despite being colourless, the gas has a strong odour and should leave the British Isles by Wednesday night. Sulphur dioxide, typically from burning coal or oil, also results from volcanic activity and can cause throat irritation, nausea, and abdominal pain if inhaled in high concentrations. However, meteorologists assure that “small concentrations” will keep UK air pollution low at ground level.
This event follows the sixth eruption since December in southwest Iceland last week, which released lava and gases. A Met Office spokesperson stated, “A sulphur dioxide plume from the Icelandic volcano has been moving across the UK high in the atmosphere and will soon clear to the south-east. The impacts have been minimal as it is high up and has little effect on ground-level air quality.”
In Iceland, the #Volcano on the Peninsula west of the capital broke out again.
100-200 meter high fountains of Lava.
Here is a screengrab of the initial eruption, and a screenshot on how it looks now.#iceland pic.twitter.com/FSlsvYbiIy— C Schmitz (@chrisschmitz) August 22, 2024
“Small surface-level concentrations mean air pollution remains low. Air pollution is currently low and is expected to stay that way across the UK today. We continue to monitor any sulphur dioxide release from Iceland, with forecasts indicating minimal influence on UK surface air pollution in the coming days.”
Iceland’s significant seismic activity and striking volcanic landscapes result from the country sitting on two tectonic plates that are slowly moving apart. On Sunday, Icelandic authorities reported that a group of tourists at a glacier cave near the recent volcanic activity was struck by a collapsing ice wall.
One American tourist died, and another was airlifted to the hospital. A search is underway for two others believed to be trapped beneath the ice. It remains unclear if this incident is linked to the recent earthquakes.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Express reports on a mammoth acidic gas cloud engulfing the UK due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland, causing air pollution levels to remain low as the gas drifts high in the atmosphere.(read more)
- Bristol Live reports on the toxic gas cloud from the Icelandic volcano eruption, expected to reach southern UK by Tuesday, potentially causing throat irritation and digestive discomfort, with minimal air pollution impact.(read more)
- The Standard reports on a sulphur dioxide cloud passing over the UK from an Icelandic volcanic eruption, with minimal impact on air quality due to its high altitude.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What caused the toxic gas cloud over the UK?
Volcanic eruptions near Grindavik, Iceland, on August 22.
Is the sulphur dioxide cloud dangerous to people in the UK?
Small concentrations are expected, keeping UK air pollution minimal at ground level.
When will the sulphur dioxide cloud leave the British Isles?
The cloud is expected to exit by Wednesday night.
What are the health effects of inhaling sulphur dioxide?
It can cause throat irritation, nausea, and abdominal pain at elevated levels.
What happened to the tourists in Iceland?
One American tourist was killed, another was hospitalized, and a search is ongoing for two others.