Penn State continuing preparations for Ireland game despite volcanic eruption

Penn State officials said Saturday they are continuing to monitor reports of an Icelandic volcano that may affect their opening game in Ireland.

Scientists said the Bardarbunga volcano, located deep beneath the Vatnajokull glacier, had a small eruption on Saturday. Ash from a possible larger eruption could disrupt are travel in Europe. The Nittany Lions are scheduled to play Central Florida on Saturday in Dublin, Ireland.

In a statement, Penn State said it is talking with officials from UCF, the Gaelic Athletic Association, and United Airlines, but that it is continuing preparations for the trip.

Both schools are scheduled to depart for Ireland on Tuesday.

"The safety and welfare of our student-athletes, staff, and fans will be at the forefront throughout our discussions," the school said.

Icelandic authorities declared a no-fly zone of 100 nautical miles by 140 nautical miles around the eruption as a precaution.

A 2010 eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokul volcano produced an ash cloud that caused a week of international aviation chaos, with more than 100,000 flights canceled.

Icelandic Meteorological Office vulcanologist Melissa Pfeffer said it was not clear when, or if, the eruption would melt through the ice - which is between 330 to 1,300 feet thick - and fling steam and ash into the air. She said it could take up to a day for the ice to melt - or the eruption might remain contained beneath Europe's largest glacier.