[primary] geocommand - ash cloud shift
DESCRIPTION
A primary version of GeoCommand - Ash Cloud Shift produced and shared by Shane Speck. http://www.geographyalltheway.com/recent-geography/geocommand-ash-cloud.htmTRANSCRIPT
Welcome to your shift at GeoCommand -
the European Geographical Advisory Service.
You are in for a busy shift!
Your job is to operatethe 140 Console.
The 140 Consolebroadcasts news updates.
Each update is a maximum of 140 characters.
Air Traffic
Tectonic Health
Meteorology
You will receive updates from fourdifferent information streams.
This sound announcesa new update.
This sound requests a new 140 Console update.
You will be asked to produce140 Console updatesabout certain topics.
Your shift is about to start!
Tectonic
An unusual geographic event has occurred.
Strong seismic vibrations have been
measured. They originate in the region
of Iceland.
Tectonic
Tectonic
Eyjafjallajökull
Iceland
UK
NorwayTectonic
Location details.
(Eyjafjallajökull: pronounced eye-a-fyat-la-yo-kutl)
Where has the extreme geographical event
occurred? What do we know so far?
140 Console Update
Tectonic
On 26th February 2010, unusual seismic activity
along with rapid expansion of the Earth's crust was registered by
the Meteorological Institute of Iceland.
Tectonic
Tectonic
The volcano became more active on the 20th
March, 2010.Tectonic
Tectonic
Eyjafjallajökull erupted on April 14th, 2010.Tectonic
(Eyjafjallajökull: pronounced eye-a-fyat-la-yo-kutl)
Tectonic
The eruption is the first in Iceland since 2004.
It is the first eruption near Eyjafjallajökull
since 1823.
Tectonic
(Eyjafjallajökull: pronounced eye-a-fyat-la-yo-kutl)
What is the volcano’s eruption history?
140 Console Update
Tectonic
Tectonic
Tectonic
Tectonic
Ash cloud
UK
The Netherlands
France
Norway
Can you summarise the current situation?
140 Console Update
Tectonic
The last eruption in the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, in 1821, caused serious
flooding as the ice melted.
Tectonic
(Eyjafjallajökull: pronounced eye-a-fyat-la-yo-kutl)
Tectonic
Tectonic
How does the eruption affect local people?
140 Console Update
Tectonic
The interaction of magma with water created a plume of
volcanic ash and gas over 10 km high.
Tectonic
Meteorology
Currently, high pressure over the North Atlantic
is directing the ash cloud towards the United Kingdom.
Meteorology
Meteorology
North-westerly winds spread the plume of ash
over North-Western Europe.
Meteorology
What do airlines need to know about the volcanic ash cloud?
140 Console Update
Health
Health officials have told those with
conditions such as asthma to stay indoors.
Health
Health
The Health Protection Agency said the ash
particles can cause itchy eyes, a runny nose, sore throat or dry
mouth.
Health
What health risks are there from the
volcanic ash?
140 Console Update
Air Traffic
Air Traffic
Air Traffic
In the past 10 years, more than 90 aircraft have suffered damage
from volcanic ash, according to the International Civil Aviation Authority.
Air Traffic
Air Traffic
Air Traffic
Should aircraftbe flying?
140 Console Update
Meteorology
The Met Office have computer programs that they can use to predict how the ash cloud will spread.
Meteorology
Air Traffic
Only a very small amount of ash is
required to present a danger: less than 1 milligram per cubic
metre
Air Traffic
Tectonic
Meltwater floods (known as jökulhlaup) are rushing down the
nearby rivers, and have caused 800 people to
be evacuated.
Tectonic
Tectonic
Tectonic
Air Traffic
No flights could mean a a shortage of goods such as asparagus,
grapes, green onions, lettuce, pre-packed
fruit, salad and flowers.
Air Traffic
Air Traffic
Fruit is pre-sliced in African facilities and flown in. This means
that even if companies could organise other
workers, the fruit isn’t even in the right
country.
Air Traffic
Air Traffic
US president Barack Obama has also had to cancel plans to fly to
Poland for the funeral of Polish president Lech
Kaczyński.
Air Traffic
Air Traffic
The International Air Transport Association said that altogether, European airlines were losing £130
million a day.
Air Traffic
What are some effects of cancelled air travel?
140 Console Update
Tectonic
Almost all the 600 Icelandic people who
were moved from their homes early on Sunday
morning have been allowed to return.
Tectonic
Tectonic
Inhabitants of 14 farms were still
ordered to stay away.Tectonic
Health
Dangerous toxic fumes are in the air in the
immediate surroundings of the volcanic crater,
which can cause permanent damage to the lungs if inhaled.
Health
How is the volcano affecting local people?
140 Console Update
Tectonic
Ingi Thor Jakobsson, manager of the Hotel Rangá
located near the Eyjafjallajökull glacier:
“I hope the eruption continues for a while
because it is very good for business”
Tectonic
(Eyjafjallajökull: pronounced eye-a-fyat-la-yo-kutl)
Tectonic
Ingi Thor Jakobsson, manager of the Hotel Rangá:
“There aren't a lot of four star restaurants that can offer dinner
and a view of a volcanic eruption”
Tectonic
Tectonic
Ingi Thor Jakobsson, manager of the Hotel Rangá:“The hotel has begun
offering helicopter rides over the volcano.”
Tectonic
Tectonic
According to Adolf Arnason, a police
officer at Hvolsvöllur (the closest police
station to the eruption), the area has seen a sharp increase in visitors this week.
Tectonic
Meteorology
Most of the country remains unaffected by falling ash but south of the volcano, visibility has been reduced to
almost zero. Conditions are described as
‘extremely unpleasant’.
Meteorology
Are there any benefits from the eruption?
140 Console Update
Air Traffic
The event is described as "a major business
and economic disaster" particularly with several
European airlines already facing financial
difficulties.
Air Traffic
Meteorology
The Icelandic Meteorological Office
says that the light winds prevailing in Europe and
large amounts of unmelted glacial ice above the volcano
means the situation is unlikely to change over
the next few days.
Meteorology
Meteorology
European Aviation Industry350,000 tons of CO2 per day
Eyjafjallajökull150,000 tons of CO2
produced per day
200,000 tons of CO2 saved by 60% cancelled flights across Europe
CO2 Emissions
Meteorology
What is the environmental impact of the
eruption?
140 Console Update
Health
Most families with children who are living in the fallout zone have chosen to leave. Those that remain are mostly
farmers with livestock to look after.
Health
Air Traffic
Air Traffic
The ash cloud is expected to spread across Europe over the course of several days. There
will be considerable disruption to air traffic.
Air Traffic
Asia-Pacific airlines, including Qantas, Air
China and Thai Airways announce they have been forced to cancel more European flights.
Air Traffic
Your shift is ending.
Summary statement needed before
handover.
140 Console Update
This simulation has been basedon real events and information.
You should now have a better understanding of the consequences
of a volcanic eruption.
You should also understand more aboutwhat Geographers actually do.