Scientists are closely monitoring a vast plume of toxic gas that is traversing northern Europe, originating from an ongoing volcanic eruption in Iceland. Although the gas cloud is not expected to pose significant health risks, experts are warning about its potential impact on the Arctic ozone hole.

The eruption occurred on March 16, when an underground volcano in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula erupted for the fourth time in as many months. This latest eruption resulted in the emergence of a massive lava flow that narrowly missed the evacuated town of Grindavík. Initial concerns of a potentially hazardous release of hydrochloric acid dissipated as the lava never reached the shore.

However, the eruption did release sulfur dioxide, a colorless and toxic gas that can be extremely dangerous in high concentrations. On March 17, the volcano was belching out around 110 pounds (50 kilograms) of sulfur dioxide per second, causing the nearby Svartsengi power plant to evacuate its workers due to dangerously elevated gas levels. Local residents were also temporarily advised to remain indoors by Iceland's Civil Protection.

While sulfur dioxide emissions have significantly diminished since March 18, new data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reveals that the initial outpouring of gas formed a concentrated column stretching 3 miles (5 kilometers) in height. This plume has since drifted towards other countries in northern Europe, already passing over the U.K. and currently approaching Scandinavia, before eventually dissipating before reaching Russia.

Senior CAMS scientist Mark Parrington assures that there are no expected impacts on surface air quality or climate. Nonetheless, tracking sulfur dioxide emissions remains crucial because this gas has the potential to react with atmospheric ozone molecules, depleting the ozone layer that shields the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Scientists have previously linked such volcanic eruptions to the depletion of the ozone layer. In October 2023, the near-record-largest ozone hole above Antarctica was partially attributed to the 2022 eruption of an underwater volcano in Tonga, which released significant levels of water vapor that depleted ozone levels. As experts predict a potential prolonged period of volcanic activity in Iceland, the amount of sulfur dioxide being expelled towards the Arctic may increase in the coming years, potentially leading to larger ozone holes in the northern hemisphere.

CAMS director Laurence Rouil emphasizes the importance of monitoring the evolving situation, stating, "The impacts of the volcanic eruptions in Iceland in the atmosphere have not yet been so severe, but it is relevant to keep monitoring the evolution of the situation."

As scientists continue to track the movement of this toxic gas plume, their findings will provide valuable insights into the potential consequences for the Arctic ozone layer and highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and assessment of volcanic activity's impact on our planet.