European Experiences of the Icelandic Geyser Ash Clouds

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of the Icelandic geyser ash clouds on Europe, particularly focusing on visibility, travel disruptions, and the experiences of individuals in various locations. Participants explore the effects of the ash on weather and travel logistics, including the use of trains as an alternative to air travel.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the visibility of the ash clouds in Europe, questioning if the sky appears darker during the day.
  • Kurdt from northern England reports no noticeable ash or changes in weather.
  • One participant mentions that the ash is reportedly at a high altitude (around 20,000 feet), suggesting limited ground-level effects.
  • Experiences from past volcanic eruptions are shared, with one participant recalling significant ash accumulation on a vehicle after a different eruption.
  • Several participants express confusion about the lack of travel alternatives, particularly the use of trains, given the extensive rail network in Europe.
  • Concerns are raised about the high demand for train tickets and the chaos at train stations, with reports of trains being fully booked and travelers struggling to find alternative transportation.
  • Some participants share anecdotes about individuals resorting to taxis or other unconventional means of travel due to flight cancellations.
  • There are mentions of EU regulations regarding airline responsibilities for passenger accommodations during delays, which may complicate the situation for travelers.
  • One participant humorously notes the difficulty in pronouncing the name of the volcano associated with the ash clouds.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of experiences and opinions, with no clear consensus on the visibility of the ash clouds or the best methods for travel during the disruptions. Some agree on the challenges faced by travelers, while others question the effectiveness of alternative travel methods.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying personal experiences with visibility and travel, differing opinions on the availability of transportation options, and the impact of regulations on travel logistics.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals affected by the ash clouds, those considering travel in Europe during disruptions, and anyone interested in the logistical challenges posed by natural events.

EnumaElish
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Has anyone over in Europe actually seen the ash clouds from the Icelandic geyser? Is the sky noticeably darker during the day?

I wonder whether it has or will have a discernible effect on the weather.
 
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Kurdt lives in northern England and he said there was nothing he could notice.
 
From what people are saying, it hasn't come down, the last report I saw said the ash was around 20,000 feet up.

When Aetna was erupting a lot a few years ago, my friend had flown out of the Catania, Sicily airport, when he came back a few days later, even though his car was in the airport parking garage, his car was heavily covered with ash. I'm surprised that flights in and out hadn't been stopped. I wonder what the difference was?
 
I'm in the north and haven't seen any ash. The weather's been lovely and clear too. Hope it doesn't come down because I waxed my car last week.
 
brewnog said:
I'm in the north and haven't seen any ash. The weather's been lovely and clear too. Hope it doesn't come down because I waxed my car last week.

Just rub it in and call it polish.
 
I don't get it. Why aren't people flying in south and taking trains? Trains are HUGE in Europe. There is just no freakin excuse to not be traveling because of ash. Am I wrong?

Having traveled extensively through Europe by both train and plane, I don't get it. It's not rocket surgery.
 
  • #10
Evo said:
I don't get it. Why aren't people flying in south and taking trains? Trains are HUGE in Europe. There is just no freakin excuse to not be traveling because of ash. Am I wrong?

Having traveled extensively through Europe by both train and plane, I don't get it. It's not rocket surgery.

The news I have heard is that all trains and ferries are already fully booked days in advance.
 
  • #11
Evo said:
I don't get it. Why aren't people flying in south and taking trains? Trains are HUGE in Europe. There is just no freakin excuse to not be traveling because of ash. Am I wrong?

Having traveled extensively through Europe by both train and plane, I don't get it. It's not rocket surgery.

Many doing that I believe ... one person used bicycle, taxis, trains...
 
  • #12
rootX said:
Many doing that I believe ... one person used bicycle, taxis, trains...
But I've also seen nonsensical reports of people paying thousands of dollars staying at hotels waiting for a plane flight, then sleeping at the airport because they could no longer afford it.

And some people taking taxis to Sweden.

HELLO! You're in Europe, take a freaking train. I can imagine that now they're being overbooked by people that have a clue, but are Americans supposed to believe that planes are the only way to get around in Europe? That's what the popular media here would have us believe, because that's the most common source here. I know that the train is more common in Europe.
 
  • #13
Evo said:
I don't get it. Why aren't people flying in south and taking trains? Trains are HUGE in Europe. There is just no freakin excuse to not be traveling because of ash. Am I wrong?

Well, the only real way to do this would be to fly into southern Spain or Italy, since all other European airspace is closed. Of course, those businessmen who need to be in a certain place tomorrow will snap up the flights into these airports and find another way to get to where they need to be, but your average passenger just can't afford to. Then you've got the problem of train tickets from wherever you land to your destination which, given the increased demand are going to be very expensive, if available at all. (As rootx alludes to above, I heard a story of a man boarding a channel ferry on a kid's bike so he could pass as a cyclist, since there were no other tickets left!) Airlines will not swallow the cost of the train/ferry tickets.

As for people paying thousands on pounds for accommodation, well, it may just be cheaper for them to do that than re-route themselves. Also, one should note that flights from the EU, or those flying into the EU on an EU carrier are governed by EU regulations that state that the airlines have a duty of care to the passenger and must provide accommodation and money for expenses regardless of the reason for the delay. This can be done retrospectively, so the savvy traveller will just put the lot on a credit card and claim it back form the airline later. Of course, this regulation may well send some of the European carriers under if the closure of airspace lasts much longer.
 
  • #14
Evo said:
But I've also seen nonsensical reports of people paying thousands of dollars staying at hotels waiting for a plane flight, then sleeping at the airport because they could no longer afford it.

And some people taking taxis to Sweden.

HELLO! You're in Europe, take a freaking train. I can imagine that now they're being overbooked by people that have a clue, but are Americans supposed to believe that planes are the only way to get around in Europe? That's what the popular media here would have us believe, because that's the most common source here. I know that the train is more common in Europe.
People do that. All the freaking trains are currently completely overbooked even though they extended the regular schedule to the max. "Everything that can roll is rolling", is what they say. They also recommend not taking the train unless you have a reserved seat, since all the train stations are in utter chaos. I also assume that the airports in southern Europe that are still open are also at their maximum flight capacity, so you might have to wait there too if your flight is intercontinental, after having traveled by train for over a day.
I heard of people taking a taxi cab from London to Switzerland. So I don't think you can say that those people aren't taking every opportunity they can get. And then there are those people who just have an overlay in Frankfurt and can't leave the airport terminal at all due to the lack of a proper visa.


That being said, here in central Germany we have the bluest sky in weeks. (No white strips from airplanes either.)
 
  • #15
I am supposed to be flying tomorrow to Paris and Amsterdam from Africa, wish me luck.. I just heard about the troubles today, that means at least my vacation was good :)
 
  • #16
The trains have been completely booked out. The Eurostar was booked out within hours of the first canceled flights, and so have the extra services they put on. People have really struggled to get a hire car within a 20 mile radius of the closed airports. A friend of mine is stuck in Italy with literally no way to get home, and some German colleagues who visited me on Thursday only got home this evening. It's not as easy as "just get a train", and it's not an option for getting to Ireland!
 
  • #17
For Ireland, the equivalent of Operation Dynamo (Dunkirk) must be needed...
 
  • #18
Can anyone pronounce the name of the volcano? :-p
 
  • #19
I can't even type it, I have to copy/paste.

And I was trained to pronounce things like "krztyna chrzanu z Bystrzyc w trzcinach" since I was born.
 
  • #20
Evo said:
I don't get it. Why aren't people flying in south and taking trains? Trains are HUGE in Europe. There is just no freakin excuse to not be traveling because of ash. Am I wrong?

Having traveled extensively through Europe by both train and plane, I don't get it. It's not rocket surgery.

I heard something like 40,000 Americans are stuck just trying to get home---I guess they could take the trans-Atlantic tunnel train
 
  • #21
rewebster said:
I heard something like 40,000 Americans are stuck just trying to get home---I guess they could take the trans-Atlantic tunnel train

Is that trans_Atlantic tunnel train as long as the name of "that" volcano?
I can remember, the doctor who did my lobotomy was no rocket surgeon. :smile:
 

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