Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
28 April 2011 12:37
Aviation authorities were right to ground commercial jets for seven days after last year's volcanic eruption in Iceland, a study has claimed
Researchers who analysed samples of volcanic ash from last year's eruption in Iceland have claimed that the particles were capable of causing an air disaster.
In a report, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the experts conclude that the decision of aviation authorities to ground commercial jets for seven days after the eruption at Eyjafjallajokull was justified.
The scientific study claims that the "sharp and abrasive" fine-grained ash particles had the potential to sandblast aircraft windows, restricting visibility, and could have also stalled engines.
Safety concerns after the eruption on April 14 last year led to the decision to ground flights, disrupting travel for 10 million passengers and costing between £1.3 billion and £2.2 billion - highlighting the need for adequate travel insurance to avoid inconvenience.
The explosive nature of the eruption was caused by glacial meltwater coming into contact with hot volcanic magma.
Tiny pieces of extremely hard, abrasive material were ejected to heights of more than nine kilometres and carried as far as Russia.
Fears over volcanic ash arose from a previous incident in 1982 when a British Airways 747 flew through debris from the eruption of Mount Galunggung in Indonesia.
The pilot reported sparks from the windows and wings, and all four engines failed when melted ash coated their interior.
21 July 2017
Researchers have claimed that 1 in 3 dementia cases could be prevented were people to make certain changes to their lifestyles.
[more...]
20 July 2017
A report has criticised survival rates in the UK for a number of cancers.
19 July 2017
A leading expert in health inequality has called for 'urgent investigation' after increases in life expectancy stalled in recent years.
18 July 2017
People following a so-called Mediterranean diet rich in oily fish, fresh vegetables and nuts have a lower risk of suffering dementia.
15 July 2017
If you often put in extra hours at work you may want to think again.
14 July 2017
Researchers have highlighted a link between tall men and aggressive cases of prostate cancer.
13 July 2017
More than three-quarters of long-term carers feel stressed by their role, according to a new report.
12 July 2017
Want to live a longer life? Try drinking more coffee - so say researchers.
11 July 2017
More people are diagnosed with cancer than those who are getting married each year, new research suggests.
08 July 2017
Heading off on holiday this summer? Don't forget your sunnies.
07 July 2017
Startling new figures have underlined the dementia challenge facing the country.
06 July 2017
When it comes to embarking on a new life or buying a holiday home in the sun, Spain is king among Brits.