One of Europe’s most powerful volcanoes could awaken. What are the consequences?

The Impact of Volcanic Eruptions in Europe

Volcanoes have the potential to cause various negative consequences, as evidenced by the active volcanoes in Italy such as Mount Etna and Stromboli.
Additionally, the Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei areas, although currently dormant, pose a constant threat that could displace millions of people living in the affected regions at any moment.

One of the notable active volcanoes in Europe is located beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier in Iceland.
This volcano, hosting a massive magma chamber accumulating energy for years, represents a significant risk.
Despite its last major eruption dating back to 1917, the volcano has experienced several minor eruptions that did not breach the thick ice layer above it, indicating its potential for a major eruption at any time.

The signs of growing instability were evident during the May 2023 eruption, with the caldera experiencing 40 earthquakes within 24 hours, three of which exceeded magnitude 4.
This volatile behavior underscores the potential risks associated with the Mýrdalsjökull volcano.

Potential Consequences of a Mýrdalsjökull Eruption

If the long-dormant Mýrdalsjökull volcano were to erupt, breaching the massive ice cap above it, the consequences could be catastrophic not only for Iceland but for the entire European region.
The most immediate and dangerous threat would be the melting of glaciers, leading to massive floods consisting of water, mud, and volcanic ash.

These floods would devastate Icelandic territory, altering its landscape, destroying infrastructure, and endangering thousands of lives.
While flooding poses a direct threat to Iceland, other European nations would face challenges from the spread of volcanic ash.

The eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in 2010 serves as a reminder of the disruption caused by volcanic ash, paralyzing air traffic with tons of ash released into the atmosphere.
Considering the size disparity between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, an eruption from the latter could severely impact air travel for months.

Furthermore, the dense volcanic ash could have broader climate implications.
The release of large amounts of sulfur dioxide during the eruption could form sulfate aerosols, reflecting sunlight and potentially leading to a temporary cooling effect on the climate.
Such an impact could be felt across Europe, affecting agriculture and the economy.

Given the imminent threat posed by volcanoes like Mýrdalsjökull, it is crucial to acknowledge that the question is not if but when they will erupt.

For further information, you can read about the state of emergency in Iceland following a recent volcanic eruption.