I hope you're right ! But.........
Desert Budgie
Wish I could share your optimism my friend. However, from a purely scientific basis I cannot. For example, your comment:
"However from recent violent eruptions I am of the understanding that these large ash clouds are associated with the initial 'explosion'. That initial explosive release of pressure that has been building up for years. Once the mountain has blown its top and that pressure has been realeased, the violence will subside. I am no geologist, but I think this whole drama of airspace closures will be behind us in a few days."
Here's the rub - in the case of a truly violent eruption (think Mount St. Helens) you would perhaps be correct and stand a reasonable chance of measuring the problem in days. These event usually occur with "Composite" or "Cinder Cone" type volcanoes that build up energy over long time periods, then suddenly release it very quickly in an explosive manner.
Unfortunately, the Iceland event is a "Shield" type volcano and these types behave differently, releasing their energy -heat, lava, ash, gas, etc.- over a longer, much less violent manner. Think of it like the difference between bursting a balloon with a pin versus letting the air out slowly.
Also, Iceland sits on the north end of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which has always made it a bit extraordinary geologically speaking. Said ridge is huge, spanning both northern-southern hemispheres of the Atlantic. It's one of the most energetic regions on the planet, spewing lava, gas & ash along its length constantly. Iceland just happens to be the part of it above sea level.
Per my previous post, and in-line with Skyhook One's post above, I think one should look at the long-term, do the science and engineering, and start trying to manage and/or plan around this problem. I sincerely hope I'm wrong. We're planning a family trip to the UK this summer !
Regards,
LoboTx, geologist at large