News | Volcanic eruptions

Blowing its top

The odds on the next big volcanic eruption

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ASH propelled into the atmosphere by the eruption of a volcano in Iceland led to cancelled flights and closed airspace in Britain, Ireland, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland on Thursday April 15th. Eyjafjallajokull blasted clouds of ash several miles into the atmosphere on Wednesday night, which drifted south-east on the wind. Volcanic ash does not mix well with jet engines, hence the disruption. In addition to surprising airlines, Eyjafjallajokull caught bookmakers unawares. Paddy Power, an Irish bookie, had the odds on it erupting at 28-1. The odds are much shorter on other volcanoes around the world losing their lids.

AP