24 May 2010

Latest information received from the Icelandic Meteorological Office indicate that the volcano is no longer emitting any ash but only a steam plume of up to around 10,000 feet. As a result of this lower activity, UK airspace is not expected to be affected.

Volcanologists and Geologists term this quieter spell of volcanic activity as a ‘paused’ phase. However, it is typical for a volcano like this to have several ‘pauses’ as part of its overall eruption phase. Only when the volcano has been ‘paused’ for three months will it then be regarded as being dormant.

Although no ash is being emitted at the moment, while any volcanic activity continues the Met Office will continue to monitor the situation.