Volcanic Dust

[David Shaw]

I see from the BBC news bulletins that volcanic dust from an eruption in Iceland is drifting over western Europe and disrupting flights from many UK airports.
Does anyone know if this dust will affect our gardens if it falls out of the atmosphere?

[Paddy Tobin]

David,

From television commentaries, it seem very unlikely any dust will actually fall to earth. Assurances were given that it would not affect anybody with respiratory problems.

At worst, if it fell it would  simply be a dusting of fine powder noticeable on cars etc.

Paddy

[Panu]

Yes, they have closed the air space in Northen Finland and N Sweden and I think the whole Norway is closed too. A friend of mine almost missed a flight to Austria. Maybe the snow will melt faster, if dust lands 

[Anthony Darby]

My nephew and niece are scheduled to fly from Embra to Stansted this evening so we are keeping an eye on the situation. At present all Scottish airports are closed!

[David Shaw]

I have just found a benefit to this dust cloud grounding all aircraft.
Twice a year the military hold an international war games exercise over the north of Scotland with many planes being based at Kinloss, about four miles away. This is happening this week and next. Normally it can be very noisy but I have just realised that I haven't heard a single aeroplane since yesterday evening. Hooray

[Anthony Darby]

Is it a coincidence that Philip Pullman was interviewed on BBC "Breakfast" yesterday?

[Tony Willis]

It is a clever plan to get us to stay in and watch the three stooges (sorry I mean the leaders debate) on tv tonight.

[JPB]

I think the disadvantages are:
- Pleople missing their planes
- You have to go to the carwash
- The newsbulletins will have another boring topic tonight

The advantages are:
- Free lava fertilization of your garden
- Temporal reduction of CO2 emission by airplanes
- High ratings for the newsbulletins (see above)

  

[Lesley Cox]

We've been told that ALL UK airports are closed, even Heathrow. Air NZ flights to UK are either cancelled or diverted to Frankfurt.

[David Shaw]

You are right, Lesley, the Sky's over the UK are quiet and peaceful tonight.

[Anthony Darby]

My brother drove my nephew (and his sister, who was staying with another cousin) to meet my sister (their mother) at Scotch Corner this evening! I think that would replace any CO₂ emissions she'd saved by not going by aeroplane.

[Lesley Cox]

The news items also said the dust contained, among other things, GLASS! Is that usual in volcanic dust?

[Maggi Young]

Yes, Lesley.... volcanic 'glass'.... obsidian... is quite common after volcanic eruptions... it can be found in quite large pieces and 'stones' (though they're not minerals, being formed without crystals) can be cut/facetted from it for use in jewellery... I have some obsidian from Mount St. Helen's in earrings.

[David Shaw]

I don't think that you are allowed to land an aeroplane on the A1, Anthony, they would probably have had to fly on to Dishforth 'drome.  
Lesley, glass = silica which becomes molten in the eruption.

[Anthony Darby]

I don't think that you are allowed to land an aeroplane on the A1, Anthony,

Many  have tried.

Yes, Lesley.... volcanic 'glass'.... obsidian... is quite common after volcanic eruptions... it can be found in quite large pieces and 'stones' (though they're not minerals, being formed without crystals) can be cut/facetted from it for use in jewellery... I have some obsidian from Mount St. Helen's in earrings.

I have several pieces of obsidian from Mexico. It is a beautiful shiny black with a gold shimmer through it. very heavy. I brought a large obsidian "Chac Mool" back for a friend. Got so attached to it I was disappointed when we had to part with him.