In 2015 over 1 billion people (14.3% of the
world’s population) lived within 100 km of a volcano that has erupted during
the Holocene. However, those living further away are not immune from volcanic
effects. For example, the 2010 eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano
had a huge impact on air travel, with over 300 airports in approximately 25
countries, and a correspondingly large airspace, closed in Europe during 15-21
April 2010. Over 100,000 flights were cancelled over that week, affecting 7 million
passengers, and resulting in $1.7 billion USD in lost revenue to airlines.
This
joint Institute of Physics ‘Environmental Physics Group’ Day and Royal
Meteorological Society event will bring together experts in the impacts of
volcanic eruptions; including local air quality, atmospheric composition,
aviation and climate change. Through a series of talks the day will provide
valuable insights and observations regarding the impact of volcanic eruptions
on the environment. The day will start with an overview of volcanic processes
and effects before three focussed sessions on: Local Volcanic Effects; Volcanic
Changes to Atmospheric Composition and Climate; and Volcanic Effects on
Aviation. The day will end with a look at the future of volcanic monitoring and
hazard warning.
The EPG Day is being organised jointly with the
Royal Meteorological Society by Dr Helen Rogers (Chair of the
EPG); Dr Natalie Harvey (EPG Committee Member), and Prof. Don
Grainger (University of Oxford), and will bring together experts on
the impact of volcanic eruptions; including the impact on local air
quality, atmospheric composition, aviation, and climate change.
Registration deadline: 5 March 2024