casualties are 0

some sheep/cows/horses have gotten it a bit rough, pretty sure some have died, as well as some birds, saw some footage of birds trying to get to the light and banging into windows, trying to get a relief from the ash and basically out of the darkness of the ash.

it’s mostly annoying for most people here, very minor ash has reached Reykjavik, but when the ash cloud was heading our way it was a bit intimidating as can be expected, but never a worry, people with breathing troubles were advised to stay indoors as well as those with sensitive eyes, all though i think most didn’t notice much difference unless those that lived near Grimsvotn.

as of now, geologists are thinking the biggest poof is over with, and they doubt it’ll pick up again, to start with it the blast reached up to about 8 kilometers, but now it’s about 3-6, and Grimsvotn eruption have a history of starting strong then fading out, hoping it’ll keep in tune with that reputation.

cheers.

Probably not, but it sounds like a great research project. Start filling out those grant applications!

- Jack

By the way, as someone who loves to watch thunderstorms, I had to keep reminding myself while watching the volcano video that all the grey in those shots was not water vapor clouds, but countless tons (oodles?) of pulverized rock particles… mind blowing!

Wow! I had never thought about how much lightning there could be in a volcanic event such as this. Truly impressive.

When Mt. St. Helens blew in 1980, those of us underneath the ash cloud as it collapsed were treated to groovy displays of pink lightning overhead. Something about the color and density of all the ash in the air tinted the discharges as observed from the ground. It was rather psychotronic.

I think people are safe – at least I certainly haven’t heard otherwise and I doubt many are living near the volcano – especially now!

Of course, I could be mistaken. See :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%ADmsv%C3%B6tn

&

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Iceland

&

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatnaj%C3%B6kull

for more.

Seems the volcanoes are on or close to glaciers which are pretty much uninhabited far as I can gather from some preliminary checks. I think Grimsvoten is actually inside the Vatnajökull National Park.

I see the head of King Kong (or any dominant “silverback” gorilla really) at the 35 second mark or so. At around the 3 minute mark or so you can see (with enough imagination) the face of Zeus or Poseidon and more including a slowly rising hooded cobra and sheep. Guess like gazing into clouds or campfire flames you can see whatever your imagination can produce.

What actually is going on in Iceland? Are residents safe? Do many people live near this thing?

On a purely selfish note, I hope it’s done soon ’cause I’m supposed to be flying up to Inverness next week and Scottish airports are closing now.