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"With speculation that an eruption of Mt Hekla could be imminent, Discover the World asked expert volcanologist and geophysicist Ari Trausti Guðmundsson to explain further."

"The eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökul volcano on 20 March 2010 demonstrated the weaknesses in Europe's diverse air traffic control network. As a massive ash cloud up to 8 kilometres high gradually extended across western Europe, forcing the cancellation of thousands of flights and stranding millions of passengers across the entire continent. Although European air controllers correctly prioritised passenger safety above all other factors, the scenario left many airline industry commentators and journalists frustrated with the European Union's apparent inability to swiftly and effectively act on changing meteorological and airline information. With few exceptions, the maintenance of separate airspace quadrants by each EU member, each with different processes, response mechanisms, as well as external pressures from airlines and politicians, all contributed to delayed and even contradictory responses in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Oslo."