EURAD-IM Simulation of SO2 Propagation Resulting from Eruptions in the Bardarbunga Region

Starting on 31 August 2014, sulfur dioxide is being emitted all over Europe from a fissure eruption in the Holuhraun lava field to the north-east of the Bardarbunga volcano.

Scientists from Forschungszentrum Jülich and the Rhenish Institute for Environmental Research at the University of Cologne used EURAD-IM to simulate the propagation of the sulfur dioxide. Since no representative measurements are currently available for the simulations, the scientists used rough qualitative assumptions based on reports from the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

Accordingly, the eruption heights range from 1500 m (08/31/2014) to 6000 m (09/04/2014) and the emission rate is assumed to be 58 kg/s.

Measurements from Icelandic scientists confirm that the SO₂ concentrations close to the eruption site remain below health and safety thresholds and there is no ash emission detectable.

Further information:

EURAD-IM Simulation (IEK-8)

Forecasts in cooperation with the Rhenish Institute for Environmental Research at the University of Cologne

Icelandic Met Office
Fact Sheet by the Icelandic Met Office on Bardabunga

Institute of Energy and Climate Research, Troposphere (IEK-8)
Regional and inverse modelling (IEK-8)

Contact:

Dr. Hendrik Elbern
Tel.: +49 2461 61-3104; +49 221 400-2220
E-Mail: h.elbern@fz-juelich.de