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The London VAAC is responsible for monitoring and forecasting
the movement of volcanic ash over the United Kingdom, Iceland
and the north-eastern part of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Although this is a relatively small area, it covers some of the
busiest airways in the world. A volcanic eruption on Iceland can
quickly affect a large area of airspace, as strong winds spread
the ash downwind from the volcano. Air traffic control organisations
need to react quickly to the forecasts issued by the VAAC so that
aircraft can be diverted onto alternative safe tracks.
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The last major eruption of Hekla, Iceland, started
on 26 February 2000. Photo courtesy of Sigurjón Sindrason
(sigurjon@ok.is)
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During a volcanic eruption on Iceland, the London VAAC liaises
closely with the Icelandic met. service, which itself is in close
contact with the Nordic Volcano Institute. The London VAAC has
access to the latest observational data as they emerge. This may
be data from:
- seismic surveys undertaken by the Nordic Institute;
- eye witness accounts of current plume behaviour or volcanic
activity;
- analysis of satellite pictures.
Often, visual observations originate from aircraft in the vicinity.
More
about volcanic ash forecasting and the satellite detection of
volcanic ash
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