Eyjafjallajökullcam

That pesky volcano on Iceland is still throwing up a plume of ash and now you can watch it via webcam. Click the images...


There's a thermal camera from the same viewpoint:


And a second camera:


Given that further disruptions are predicted I'll be keeping an eye on this one. Grow into these trousers... >>

UK still grounded

The dust plume from the Eyjafjallajökull (don't ask me to pronounce it) volcano is still quieting the skies over Europe, and it seems set to continue.

This is becoming a serious problem and I am not just thinking of holidaymakers and jet-set businessmen. A lot of manufacturing relies on rapidly moving small mechanical or electrical components, much fresh fruit and veg travels by air and of course there are cut flowers. This is a huge industry, often employing very low paid workers whose livelihoods depend on bringing an ephemeral product to market.

The previous eruption of 'the volcano which cannot be named' lasted about two years. It began in 1821 and I suspect that the direct descendants of the Montgolfier brothers had different air safety concerns.

Today there are clear skies and lovely sunshine. It's strange how something unnoticeable can have such a profound effect; but then again, I remember Chernobyl.

Whilst the Earth decides our fate, there are some stunning photos of 'that place in Iceland with a volcano' at the Big Picture. Worth a look. Grow into these trousers... >>

The drifting continents

Collating millions of pieces of data, this simulation shows continental drift
from the ancient past to the present; and then predicts into the future.

650 Million Years in 1:20 Min.

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Via GrrlScientist. Grow into these trousers... >>

The Traveler IQ Challenge™

A fine test of your geographical knowledge. Accuracy and speed both count so have a couple of goes first to warm up, it's only fair.

My top score: 349093 - so far :)
It is a bit addictive.

This Traveler IQ was calculated on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 08:03PM GMT by comparing this person's geographical knowledge against the Web's Original Travel Blog's 2,931,716 travelers who've taken the challenge.

Grow into these trousers... >>