Scientists: Iceland's volcanic eruption winds down

[May 27, 2010]  REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) -- Scientists in Iceland say the volcanic eruption that disrupted global air travel is winding down -- but it's not over yet.

Icelandic experts told reporters Thursday there are still signs of activity coming from the Eyjafjallajokul volcano -- spurts of ash and bursts of steam.

Geologist Pall Einarsson says experts are wary of declaring the emergency over because eruptions tend to wind down slowly.

Eyjafjallajokul (pronounced ay-yah-FYAH-lah-yer-kuhl) erupted April 14. Fearing the volcanic ash plume posed a danger to planes, European authorities shut down their airspaces, stranding an estimated 10 million travelers worldwide.

The last time Eyjafjallajokul erupted, in 1821, activity was recorded on and off for almost two years.

[Associated Press]

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