Further information regarding gas pollution

30.3.2021

Important message for those visiting the eruption site

• Gas pollution at the eruption site can at any time exceed danger levels. The eruptive plume follows the wind direction, and it is therefore safer to watch the eruption with the wind direction behind you, rather than towards you.

• In calm/light wind (<5 m/s) gas can accumulate in the valleys, then circulation is controlled by the landscape and gas can exceed danger levels far up the slopes, all around the eruption site. In such cases, spectators need to move up to higher ground levels such as mountains and ridges and not stay on the slopes just above the eruption.

• Choose a walking route according to the wind forecast for the time of the walk.

• Avoid taking dogs with you to the eruption site. Dogs are more exposed to gas pollution as they are closer to the ground. Fluoride can also accumulate in puddles in the area.

IMO has set up a weather station at the eruption site, with repeated measurements every hour.

Recommendations from the Environment Agency regarding pollution from the eruption site can be found here and a link to loftgaedi.is which shows the status of air quality in inhabited areas.

Volcanic gases

Gas pollution forecast, distribution model and registration form for gas pollution.

Below is a text forecast regarding gas pollution from the eruption in Fagradalsfjall. At the bottom of the page is a forecast model showing sulfur pollution (SO₂) in inhabited areas for the next 48 hours.

The first map shows the level of pollution at ground level. The other three maps shows an impact forecast for the next 6hrs and 24hrs. These maps indicate areas, not level of pollution.

Important information about gas pollution for people in the volcanic hazard zone:

• Gas pollution can always reach unhealthy levels near the eruption zone. The gas plume is advected down wind.
• In calm wind conditions (< 5 m/s) the distribution of gas pollution can become unpredictable, as the heat from the lava field can affect wind direction in the area.
• The lava field also produces gas pollution because of degasification.
• If you experience symptoms it is important to leave the polluted area.