In April 2010, the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted for more than a week, causing a flood of meltwater to rush down its slopes, and forced the evacuation of 800 people.
Icy water flooded the volcano’s vent, chilling and fragmenting the lava into tiny particles of silica and ash, which exploded into an eruption plume towering kilometers in height.
The ash cloud carried over Europe where it created the largest air traffic shutdown since World War II. The economic impact was staggering; costing the airline industry an estimated €200 million per day. It was felt as far away as Japan and other Asian countries, where major automobile manufacturers suspended operations for lack of materials and parts, and electronics manufacturers were unable to ship to 25% of their markets.
By August 2010, volcanologists declared E15 to be dormant once again.
