AccuWeather.com in order to understand the nature of the concentration of ash in the atmosphere, AccuWeather.com meteorologists note that there is not one continuous plume of ash responsible for closing European airspace.
"The ash dispersion is similar to a steam train, and ash clouds are pumped out at different times with various intensities" said AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Henry Margusity. "As a result, certain areas of the atmosphere have been more affected than others."
It is impossible for geological experts to pinpoint exactly where the most concentrated swaths of ash are located atmospherically, which is the reason aviation officials have closed all European airspace since Thursday.
The key to clearing up the ash cloud lies in the depths of the volcano. The eruptions are erratic, and experts cannot predict when they will subside.
The London Volcanic Ash Advisory Center reported in its latest warning that "eruption has virtually ceased" from the Icelandic volcano.
When the eruptions stop completely, the natural progression of the weather will work to filter high levels of ash from the atmosphere. Specifically, precipitous rain and snow clouds will act as a distilling agent for the ash.
As weather systems come and go, the chance of ash dispersion and ash filtration increases.
Ash Plume to Shift Farther South through Europe
AccuWeather.com meteorologists continue to examine how winds in the upper levels of the atmosphere will be set up between Iceland and Europe over the next few days as an indication to how the ash plume from an Icelandic volcano will behave and affect air travel.
It appears the plume could end up shifting farther south Tuesday into Wednesday, potentially becoming more concentrated over the U.K. and possibly even reaching Germany.
Millions of airline passengers will likely continue facing flight delays and cancellations through midweek as a result.
By AccuWeather.com Meteorologists Jim Andrews and Heather Buchman and writer Carly Porter
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