The impact of volcanism on climate, health and aviation.
LOCATION
School of GeoSciences
The University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute
The Kings Buildings, West Mains Road
Edinburgh
EH9 3JW
UK
SPEAKER: Dr Anja Schmidt, University of Leeds.
ABSTRACT: Volcanic eruptions have a significant potential to affect the climate system, the environment and society. I will provide an overview of Icelandic volcanism and current research on the atmospheric, environmental and societal effects of volcanic gases and airborne particles. Specifically, I will discuss long-range transport and air quality impacts of sulphur dioxide emitted by the 2014-2015 eruption at Holuhraun (Bárðarbunga volcano, Iceland). Holuhraun was the first flood lava eruption in Iceland since the 1783-1784 CE Laki eruption, which had substantial effects on climate and the environment of the 1780s. Using a global aerosol microphysics model to simulate the effects of a future Laki-type eruption, I show that such an eruption could have the potential to substantially degrade air quality and affect human health in Europe.
The talk will be preceded by a brief AGM of the Scottish Centre.
The meeting will be held in the Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh, Drummond Street, EH8 9XP, starting at 6 pm, with tea and biscuits available from 5:30 pm. Please mention this meeting to friends and colleagues, since non-members of the Society are very welcome at our meetings. There is no charge and no need to book in advance. However, please consider joining if you can because without our membership support we would not be able to hold these meetings.
SPEAKER: Dr Anja Schmidt, University of Leeds.
ABSTRACT: Volcanic eruptions have a significant potential to affect the climate system, the environment and society. I will provide an overview of Icelandic volcanism and current research on the atmospheric, environmental and societal effects of volcanic gases and airborne particles. Specifically, I will discuss long-range transport and air quality impacts of sulphur dioxide emitted by the 2014-2015 eruption at Holuhraun (Bárðarbunga volcano, Iceland). Holuhraun was the first flood lava eruption in Iceland since the 1783-1784 CE Laki eruption, which had substantial effects on climate and the environment of the 1780s. Using a global aerosol microphysics model to simulate the effects of a future Laki-type eruption, I show that such an eruption could have the potential to substantially degrade air quality and affect human health in Europe.
The talk will be preceded by a brief AGM of the Scottish Centre.
The meeting will be held in the Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh, Drummond Street, EH8 9XP, starting at 6 pm, with tea and biscuits available from 5:30 pm. Please mention this meeting to friends and colleagues, since non-members of the Society are very welcome at our meetings. There is no charge and no need to book in advance. However, please consider joining if you can because without our membership support we would not be able to hold these meetings.