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The impacts of a Laki-like eruption on the present Swedish society

Author

Listed:
  • Karin Mossberg Sonnek

    (Swedish Defence Research Agency)

  • Tomas Mårtensson

    (Swedish Defence Research Agency)

  • Ester Veibäck

    (Swedish Defence Research Agency)

  • Peter Tunved

    (Stockholm University)

  • Håkan Grahn

    (Swedish Defence Research Agency)

  • Pontus Schoenberg

    (Swedish Defence Research Agency)

  • Niklas Brännström

    (Swedish Defence Research Agency)

  • Anders Bucht

    (Swedish Defence Research Agency
    Umeå University)

Abstract

In this study, we analyse and discuss the possible impacts on the Swedish society of a volcanic eruption on Iceland, emitting ash particles and large quantities of sulphur dioxide. A scenario was developed, based on the historical Laki eruption of 1783–1784, to describe the content of a potential sulphur fog over time in Sweden. Due to its high complexity and the many uncertainties in the underpinning scientific data, the scenario was developed using a cross-disciplinary approach incorporating experts from different scientific fields. An analysis of the impacts of the hazard on human health, environment and technical equipment was then performed and, finally, representatives from national authorities assessed the overall societal challenges in responding to the consequences of a massive volcanic eruption. The analysis shows that it is the peak concentrations of sulphur dioxide and sulphuric acid rather than the longer periods of moderate concentrations that contribute most to the negative consequences for human health and environment. Altogether, three societal challenges were identified: the ability to compile and disseminate relevant information fast enough, to perform continuous measurements of concentrations of different substances in affected areas and to meet the large demand for medical care.

Suggested Citation

  • Karin Mossberg Sonnek & Tomas Mårtensson & Ester Veibäck & Peter Tunved & Håkan Grahn & Pontus Schoenberg & Niklas Brännström & Anders Bucht, 2017. "The impacts of a Laki-like eruption on the present Swedish society," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 88(3), pages 1565-1590, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:88:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1007_s11069-017-2933-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-017-2933-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mun S. Ho & Chris P. Nielsen (ed.), 2007. "Clearing the Air: The Health and Economic Damages of Air Pollution in China," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262083582, December.
    2. Grant Wilson & Thomas Wilson & Jim Cole & Christopher Oze, 2012. "Vulnerability of laptop computers to volcanic ash and gas," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 63(2), pages 711-736, September.
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