In pictures: Volcano erupts in Iceland

An erupting volcano by the Eyjafjallajoekull glacier

A volcanic eruption in the southwestern part of Iceland's Eyjafjallajoekull glacier has released a significant volume of ash into the air.

A plume of volcanic ash rises into the atmosphere from a crater under about 656 feet of ice at the Eyjafjallajokull glacier

Experts say the tiny particles of rock, glass and sand contained in the ash cloud from the still-erupting volcano could jam aircraft engines.

Flights across much of Europe are being cancelled on a second day of massive disruption.

The second eruption began on Wednesday, but activity was seen already on 9 April, as Danish teacher Kurt Christensen's picture, taken near the volcano, shows.

The volcanic ash plume is spreading from Iceland to the north of Britain.

An enchanced colour satellite image highlighting the ash plume moving towards the UK on at the Met Office headquarters April 15, 2010 in Exeter, England

This enhanced colour satellite image, seen at the Met Office headquarters in Exeter, England, highlights the path of the drifting ash.

Mmoke and steam rises from the volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in Iceland

Emergency officials said the eruption under the ice cap was 10 to 20 times more powerful than one last month.

While geologists predict there is a much greater risk of widespread flooding.

Met Office forecaster Philip Avery said the ash could take several days to clear.

Marco Fulle's photograph of the Eyjafjallajoekull volcano on 14 April 2010

At sunset on 14 April Marco Fulle photographed the eruptions from a helicopter as he passed over the glacier.

Icelandic coastguard radar photo shows an image of the crater of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano (15 April)

This radar image taken on 15 April by the Icelandic coastguard shows ash spreading from the crater of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

A satellite image from 24 March 2010 of the Eyjafjallajoekull volcano shows lava fountains, lava flows, a volcanic plume, and steam from vaporised snow.