What is the current status of the volcano Eldfell on the island of Heimaey near the town of Vestmannaeyjar? The only information I keep getting is a discription of the 1973 erruption and events shortly after. Also, what methods did the people of Vestmannaeyjar use to remove the tremendous amount of ash from their town - the ash appears to be at least 5 meters deep in many places?

rocky Bob

Hi Bob,

Sorry to have taken so long to get back to you. As far as I know, Eldfell has been quiet since the famous 1973 eruption. I imagine that they must have just used earth-moving equipment to get rid of the cinders. The stuff has a low density so with enough front-end loaders and dump trucks it can be moved by a concerted effort.

This wasn't much of an answer to your question.

Sincerely,

Scott Rowland 

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