Volcano could disrupt travel for decades

A volcanic ash cloud has once again closed airspace over the UK, while scientists predict the volcanic activity in Iceland could last decades.

A no-fly zone has been imposed over parts of Northern Ireland, causing renewed disruption for air travellers and airport closures are expected, with Belfast shut from 0700-1300 BST.

Ash from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano has caused disruption to thousands of flights since April, but, according to a report in The Times, scientists have discovered a cycle of activity that suggest the quiet phase has come to an end.

At least three Icelandic volcanoes are building towards an eruption, according to Thor Thordarson, a volcanologist at Edinburgh University, which could mean decades of activity.

“The frequency of Icelandic eruptions seems to rise and fall in a cycle lasting around 140 years,” he said. “In the latter part of the 20th century we were in a low period, but now there is evidence that we could be approaching a peak.”

The Times reported that the findings coincided with new warnings that the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull could carry on for many months, possibly years.

Worryingly, some geologists have warned of a serious threat from a volcano called Katla.

Two of its past three eruptions appeared to be triggered by those of Eyjafjallajokull, and just before the latter blew, a report suggested Katla was also close to eruption.