Following the 2010 travel chaos caused by volcanic ash, scientists have discovered another type of Icelandic volcanic eruption that could cause disruption in future.
A research team from The Open University and Lancaster University has found that the magma (molten rock) in some Icelandic volcanoes is twice as 'fizzy' as previously thought, increasing the chance of explosive eruptions which produce disruptive ash clouds.
The 'fizz' in volcanic eruptions is caused by dissolved gases which expand dramatically as the magma rises.
Previously scientists had thought that Icelandic magma was less fizzy than that from Pacific Ocean volcanoes, implying much less explosive potential.
This new research suggests some Icelandic volcanoes can produce eruptions just as explosive as those in the Pacific Rim.
Dr Dave McGarvie, Senior Lecturer, Volcano Dynamics Group at The Open University, said: "We know that large explosive eruptions have occurred at infamous volcanoes such as Hekla and Katla, but it is important also to appreciate that large explosive eruptions are also produced by less well-known Icelandic volcanoes such as Torfajökull and Öraefajökull."