Aviation Color Code - ACC
This map is issued by the Icelandic Meteorological Office and it shows the current status of Icelandic volcanic systems. It is refreshed at 09:00 UTC daily and will timely reflect any signs of unrest.
See the status for the aviation color code under VONA notifications
The aviation color code (ACC) follows recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and provides pilots, the public, and aviation authorities with information about the status of volcanoes that could affect air traffic.
The aviation color code is independent of the color code also issued by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, known as the “Volcano Alert Level System (VALS).” The VALS color code is intended to convey information about potential impacts on the ground, and therefore, these two color codes may differ at any given time.
Notifications are issued for both increasing and decreasing volcanic activity, and are accompanied by text with details (as known) about the nature of the unrest or eruption, especially in regard to ash-plume information and likely outcomes. The colour legend is given below the map.
GREY: Volcano appears quiet but is not monitored adequately. Absence of unrest unconfirmed.
GREEN: Volcano is in normal, non-eruptive state.
or, after a change from a higher alert level:
Volcanic activity considered to have ceased, and volcano reverted to its normal, non-eruptive state.
YELLOW: Volcano is experiencing signs of elevated unrest above known background levels.
or, after a change from higher alert level:
Volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.
ORANGE: Volcano is exhibiting heightened unrest with increased likelihood of eruption.
or,
Volcanic eruption is underway with no or minor ash emission.
RED: Eruption is forecasted to be imminent with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere likely.
or,
Eruption is underway with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere.
World Organisation of Volcano Observatories
Further information
Further information can be obtained from the seismological group if necessary. Seismological overview from the last 48 hours is available and an enlarged aviation colour code map.
