Iceland’s meteorological office has warned that there is an increased risk of a second volcanic eruption near the town of Grindavik on the Reykjanes peninsula, where a volcano emerged on December 18.
According to the latest weather report“The ground continues to swell in Svartsengi”and the land has now reached an elevation similar to that measured just before the last eruption. According to experts, in similar situations Other eruptions that have occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula in recent years, These indicators were also accurate during the Krafla fires. Uncertainty remains about how much magma pressure must build before magma begins to move towards the surface.
There are not that many earthquakes
The current uprising is not accompanied by as much seismic activity as before, because, according to experts, the explosion a few weeks ago caused serious tension in the region. Therefore, much more magma needs to accumulate for seismic activity to increase from its current level. “There were several earthquakes greater than magnitude 3 and one earthquake greater than magnitude 4 before the last eruption,” they note, indicating similar seismic activity related to the next magma intrusion.
Meteorologists, who think that the next eruption will most likely occur in 2015, add, “As magma accumulation continues under Svartsengi, the probability of another magma entry and explosion increases day by day.” Between Sundhnúkur, Stóra-Skógfell and Hagafell. It is important to note that magma seeps do not always lead to an eruption, as shown by the activity at Fagradalsfjall and the Krafla fires.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office published an updated hazard map based on the common interpretation of the data at today’s situation meeting. During the assessment, changes were made to the list of potential hazards in the Grindavík area and risks were added. possible lava flows and gas pollution. The changes are due to the increased likelihood of an eruption north of Grindavík. This hazard map will be revised on January 5, 2024.
In the meantime, IMO continues to monitor the region and any changes will be communicated directly to civilian protection through the usual communication channels.