Scientists monitor ash in Iceland
25 May 2011
UK scientists have installed a new LIDAR system in Iceland to measure the ash particle concentration billowing out of the Grímsvötn volcano.
The images being produced by the LIDAR show a distinct layer of volcanic ash in the atmosphere 5km above Keflavík, which is near the capital of Reykjavík.
NCAS scientists are currently meeting with Icelandic scientists at a conference in Scotland, where the LIDAR images are being examined and the issues relating to volcanic ash and its impacts are being discussed.
Background information
Following considerable cooperation between researchers from the UK and Iceland during the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in April 2010, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two countries.
As part of this agreement NERC's National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) commissioned the new LIDAR, which was positioned in Iceland at the beginning of May this year.
When Grímsvötn erupted on 21 May, the researchers were able to move the LIDAR system to the international airport at Keflavík.
Read the full story on the NCAS website.
Further information
NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215
Briefing note: 03/11
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