Experts predict that more powerful Icelandic volcano will explode soon

London, Apr.21 (ANI): A far bigger Icelandic volcano, Katla, is tipped to erupt in the coming months, potentially causing much more savage and sustained disruption to industry and society, The Independent reports.

A week ago, sister volcano Eyjafjallajokull erupted, forcing European governments to impose a no-fly zone.

Historically, each time Eyjafjallajokull has erupted in the past 2,000 years, the Katla has exploded within six months.

"I certainly wouldn't be surprised if Katla erupted within the next year, but how much it affects Britain and northern Europe depends on what happens with the winds at the time," volcanologist Bill McGuire told The Independent.

Professor McGuire, who sits on the Government's Cobra emergency committee, pointed out that Katla was 10 times bigger than Eyjafjallajokull. It also has a much bigger ice cap, and it is the mixture of melting cold water and lava that causes explosions and for ash to shoot to high altitudes.

Professor McGuire, a professor of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London, suggested airlines should draw up contingency plans for coping with Katla, which he said had been known about for a long time - but he added that there was probably not much that could be done.

Jon Davidson, a professor of Earth sciences at Durham University, shared his concern, saying that because Katla has invariably exploded into life after Eyjafjallajokull, the aviation industry should be "less surprised" by its potential impact. (ANI)