Iceland's volcanic ash over Europe

Whenever I read the unpronouncable name of Iceland's alive and kicking volcano, Eyjafjallajoekull, I can't help thinking of Rumpelstiltskin. The volcano has spewed a huge plume of ash, as a result of which many flights have been cancelled. It's not merely a matter of visibility, experts say: the ash has the consistency of an abrasive powder which could damage seriously aircraft engines, and, in extreme cases, even cause engine failure.

Iceland's volcanic ash over Europe. Click on the picture for a larger view.
Image captured by NASA’s Terra satellite (7:35 a.m. EDT, on 15 April 2010).

Source: Space Fellowship