Icelandic eruption

Volcanic activity beneath Eyjafjallajoekull in south-central Iceland is continuing to cause concern in the media that a jokulhlaup may be triggered. However, it appears that either meltwater is not being generated, or it is not accumulating. The eruption site, a 1km long fissure, is situated in a relatively ice-free area and so the former explanation seems likely. Nevertheless, this is small comfort to the 600 or so people who have been evacuated from their homes as a precaution. A further concern is that activity at the nearby Katla volcano could be triggered, particularly since this has been the outcome on the previous three occasions that this volcano has been active. Further footage and reports from earlier in the week can be accessed at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8578576.stm.