The eruption of the Reykjanes volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula caused the release of a giant cloud of toxic sulfur dioxide (SO).2), moving towards Russia via Northern Europe. This has been reported Web site Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO).
According to the IMO statement, on March 17, Reykjanes emitted approximately 50 kilograms of sulfur dioxide per second. Workers at the nearby Svartsengi power plant were evacuated due to high gas levels and residents were asked not to leave their homes, according to Icelandic Civil Protection.
Sulfur dioxide is the combination of sulfur with oxygen, a colorless gas with a pungent odor. In small concentrations it irritates the mucosa of the eyes and respiratory tract, and in large doses it can cause difficulty breathing and swallowing, pulmonary edema and nosebleeds. Also SO2 causes acid rain.
As of March 18, sulfur dioxide emissions have decreased significantly, according to European satellite atmospheric monitoring service Copernicus.
Five kilometer SO column2 it rose into the atmosphere and rushed towards other countries of Northern Europe. The gas cloud has already passed England and is approaching the Scandinavian region. As Copernicus experts’ modeling shows, the poisonous cloud may reach Russia, but by then it will have almost completely dissipated and become safe.
Experts say the volcanic sulfur dioxide cloud poses little danger to humans but could damage the planet’s ozone layer.
Geologists before solved The mystery of the appearance of lava fountains during volcanic eruptions.
What are you thinking?
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.