Volcano Erupts In Iceland

Reports are coming in that a volcano in Iceland called Grimsvotn has erupted, sending plumes of smoke 15km into the air. It was accompanied by a series of earthquakes, but all of them have been minor so far, and scientists don't believe the eruption will cause problems for air travel like 2010's Eyjafjallajokull event. Local coverage in Icelandic is available, as well as early pictures of the eruption.

Comments

Stop volcanic proliferation!

[catmistake]

Every time there's a volcanic eruption we are reminded by anti-volcanics just how dangerous volcanos are, that even with really thick gloves lava is simply too hot to handle, and no amount of safety regulations will mitigate the mortal danger they pose. When will society wise up and realize volcanos are far too unpredictable? Even if there weren't eruptions, no amount of science or development is going to make them economically viable.

Re:Stop volcanic proliferation!

[jamesh]

This is exactly the sort of anti-volcanic rhetoric I'd expect from the unwashed masses. This volcano was built using plans from three generations ago. Todays volcano's are far safer and far less likely to erupt in such an unpredictable fashion. Your are glossing over the fact that this volcano has just endured a rapture and is only blowing a small quantity of ash. The design specifically stated that the volcano would require some additional re-enforcements before the rapture came but these were never done owing to budget constraints, so it's hardly fair to judge all volcano's on the poor maintenance of this one case.

Re:Rapture

[Frosty Piss]

Fail.

With the world economy the way it is right now, it's hard to do a quality Rapture on the limited budget that God can afford, what with his credit rating in the toilet, and all.

Re:Down with Iceland

[Idarubicin]

How can it really get any better?

The entire country pretty much runs on geothermal and hydroelectric power.

There are bathable hot springs.

The word geyser comes from Icelandic.

The whole country is snuggled up against the Arctic circle, but the jet stream keeps it from getting unpleasantly cold. In summer it can get quite toasty, actually. (And from June through August the sun dips below the horizon, but it never gets really dark.) In winter, you can see northern lights in the afternoon.

They have Europe's largest waterfall.

And millions of puffins.

And, for better or worse, Björk.