Stunning Video Shows Bird's-Eye View of Iceland Volcanic Eruption
Authorities raised the country's aviation warning code after eruption.
— -- Here's a special look at a volcanic eruption in Iceland, from above.
Aerial video shows smoke rising after a small fissure erupted near Bardarbunga volcano, causing authorities to raise the aviation warning code to red today.
The eruption took place in the Holuhraun lava field, north of Dyngjujoekull glacier, Iceland's Meteorological Office said.
The eruption wasn’t considered highly explosive and, thus, not producing much of the fine ash that can affect aircraft engines.
"If this eruption persists it could become a tourist attraction, as it will be relatively safe to approach, although the area is remote," said David Rothery, a professor of Planetary Geosciences at the Open University in Britain. "This event should not be seen as 'relieving the pressure' on Bardarbunga itself, nor is it a clear precursor sign of an impending Bardarbunga eruption."
All the country’s airports remained open after the eruption.
A separate eruption occurred today in Papua New Guinea, forcing residents to evacuate and disrupting flights.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
